From the Guardian · · 1m 40s
Three Celtic leaders sign a pact against Westminster
Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin meet in Cardiff to demand Westminster plan for constitutional change.
In brief
Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin meet in Cardiff to demand Westminster plan for constitutional change. For the first time, separatist parties are in government in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at once, and they are now coordinating as a bloc. Originally reported by the Guardian.
A summit with one message
The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will affirm their countries' right to seek independence from the UK at a Cardiff conference on Monday.
What they are signing
Rhun ap Iorwerth, John Swinney and Michelle O'Neill are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding, joined by Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.
“to prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland”
A first in these islands
Plaid Cymru's win in May's Senedd elections means separatist parties now sit in government in all three countries at the same time.
Burnham's blind spot
The prime minister has pushed regional devolution in England since July, but his stance on Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh is murkier. He told Swinney a second Scottish referendum stays off limits.
Trump crashes the party
Visiting Ireland, the US president said he would love to see a united Ireland and it "may as well happen now". London and unionist ministers hit back fast.
“I love my comments.”
Cooperation, not just constitutions
A Plaid source framed Monday as a new partnership on energy, the economy and Europe, as well as self-determination. Ap Iorwerth says early talks with Burnham have been warm.
“Our parties have much to gain from working together, as partners and as equals”
The numbers behind the push
Polling puts independence support at 47% in Scotland, 36% in Northern Ireland and 32% in Wales. Scotland has held near half since 2014, and the other two are climbing.
“our interests will never be served by Westminster”
At a glance
For the first time, separatist parties are in government in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at once, and they are now coordinating as a bloc.
