Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales sign landmark self-determination declaration

Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales sign landmark self-determination declaration

‘Our nations have the right to self-determination,’ says declaration signed by first ministers of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales

The leaders of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales on Monday signed a landmark self-determination declaration, urging the UK government to prepare for constitutional change.

A joint declaration signed by Rhun ap Iorwerth, first minister of Wales and leader of Plaid Cymru, John Swinney, first minister of Scotland and leader of Scottish National Party (SNP), and Michelle O’Neill, first minister of Northern Ireland and vice-president of Sinn Fein party, said the political landscape “is changing.”

The leaders said they believe the “future of our nations belongs in European Union,” adding that, for the first time ever, there are first ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland “who are all committed to independence from the UK.”

The joint declaration noted: “Our nations have the right to self-determination.”

“We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction,” read the declaration.