The leaders of the main nationalist parties in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales signed a joint agreement in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, on Monday, declaring their right to "self-determination" and affirming that no Westminster government has the authority to block democracy or prevent their peoples from deciding their own future.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by John Swinney, from the Scottish National Party (SNP), Rhun ap Iorwerth, from Plaid Cymru of Wales, and Michelle O'Neill, from Sinn Féin of Northern Ireland. These are the first nationalist leaders of the three countries to participate together in a meeting of this kind.
The three parties want separation from the United Kingdom, but have different positions on how and when this could occur. Swinney described the meeting as a "crucial moment in the UK's constitutional journey," showing the importance the signatories attach to the agreement.
The document refers to the Parliament of the United Kingdom in London, rejecting British authority over the constitutional decisions of the three nations and publicly reaffirming the willingness of each region to pursue their own independent political paths.
