Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have signed a joint pact to formally leave the United Kingdom (UK) — possibly via a referendum — stating that Westminster should no longer be able to “block democracy”.
The Memorandum of Understanding was penned by SNP leader John Swinney (the First Minister of Scotland), Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap lowerth (the First Minister of Wales), and Sinn Féin VP Michelle O’Neill (the First Minister of Northern Ireland) and outlines a number of grievances the members have with the United Kingdom, with the economic fallout post-Brexit being a major sticking point.
“For the first time ever, people across these islands have First Ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom,” the memorandum reads. “For people watching across these islands - for people watching around the world — there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end.
The memorandum continues, outlining three key economic points, including being free to dictate their own economic policies and social spending as well as expand their own resources. But chief among them is a clear statement that it is the intent of all three would-be countries to rejoin the EU.
“We believe the future of our nations belongs in the European Union. We want to work together to rebuild and strengthen those European relationships, creating greater opportunities for trade, investment, culture and cooperation.
“… 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.
“We recognise that our parties have different constitutional positions and that each nation will determine its own future in its own way and in its own time.”
“What unites us is a determination to ensure that the voices of our nations are heard, that our people have the opportunity to thrive, and that cooperation between Scotland, Wales and Ireland can be strengthened.
“We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction.”
This meeting between the first ministers comes just days after Scottish independence was brought up again in the UK House of Commons, with the UK’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, stating a second Scottish independence referendum could be held if there was public support.
Also noteworthy is the fact that the memorandum never refers to Northern Ireland as such, but rather as the north of Ireland or simply Ireland, potentially indicating a future reunification of the country post separation.
Juno News has reached out to both Global Affairs Canada and the Prime Minister’s Office for comment on Canada’s official stance on the independence pact but has yet to receive a response.
From what we've been reading, being part of the EU is not a great thing. They talk about independence and yet they will have rules under the EU and won't be truly independent. Also, they already have problems with too many immigrants and that will only get worse.