The leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have reportedly met in Cardiff and signed a joint declaration seeking independence from the (UK) United Kingdom. The declaration invokes each nation’s right to self-determination and demands the right to hold referendums for independence. The meeting marks a significant moment in history as it is the first time since devolution that pro-independence factions are simultaneously in the majority across all three nations.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland seek independence from Great Britain
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, First Minister of Wales Rhun ap lorwerth, and First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill attended the meeting and signed the memorandum of understanding. The declaration calls on the UK Government to prepare, plan, and facilitate the constitutional change. The agreement also sheds light on cross-border cooperation regarding energy, the economy, and development.
“Our nations have the right to self-determination. No Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future,” they said in a memorandum of understanding.
The memorandum further states that voters within each respective nation are to have the final say regarding their constitutional future. The leaders have explicitly stated that the Westminster Government cannot deny their citizens their democratic rights. Moreover, all three nations agree to work toward returning their nations to the European Union. It further lays down cooperation mechanisms regarding economic integration and collectively lobbying to reform the central UK funding matrix.
Scotland and Northern Ireland support an immediate path toward referendums. This involves a second independence vote for Scotland and a border poll on a united Ireland for Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Wales is not currently pursuing an immediate independence referendum but instead is emphasizing a broader constitutional change and a long-term strategy to achieve the same.
The triggers and implications of seceding
This move has been triggered by political developments that took place over the past few moths. The newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, when questioned about whether he would authorize a second Scottish independence referendum, he answered that if a clear public consensus emerged, it would be considered. The Scottish Prime Minister seized the opportunity.
Earlier, during President Donald Trump’s weekend visit to Dublin, he claimed that he would “love” to see a united Ireland. This statement further boosted the Irish republican movement.
The nationalist parties face considerable opposition in their endeavor to seek independence. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has already rejected requests from Scotland concerning a legal framework for the intended referendum. Moreover, public polling also reveals mixed results. Polling results indicate that support for independence is 47% in Scotland, 36% in Northern Ireland and 32% in Wales. Reports suggest that Unionist factions in Northern Ireland also oppose the move, stating that it risks destabilizing the power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland.
Geopolitical implications
The move could potentially destabilize the transatlantic alliance. The UK forms a vital component of NATO. Scotland has made it evident that it opposes the continuation of the Trident nuclear submarine base at Faslane on its soil. This could pose risks to the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Moreover, President Trump’s endorsement of Ireland’s republican movement could strain its relationship with Britain. The implications of this breakup are far reaching.
All three nations aim to rejoin European Union, it could lead to more restrictive borders between England and its former territories.
