Party leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland say future belongs back in EU

The first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have expressed their belief that the future of their respective nations lies within the European Union. The three leaders convened in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, where their parties reached a joint agreement emphasizing the right to self-determination for their nations.

Scotland's John Swinney heads the Scottish National Party (SNP), Wales' Rhun ap Iorwerth commands Plaid Cymru, and Northern Ireland's Michelle O'Neill is a prominent figure in Sinn Féin. Joining them was Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald. The SNP and Plaid Cymru advocate for Scotland's and Wales' independence, while Sinn Féin champions Irish reunification.

The three parties, however, hold differing views on the process and timing of constitutional change. In 2014, Scotland held an independence referendum, with 55.3% of voters opting to stay within the United Kingdom. In the Cardiff agreement, the parties stated that the UK government at Westminster should not possess the authority to "block democracy."

Swinney emphasized that the principle of self-determination forms the core of the agreement signed. Announcing the deal, Swinney highlighted that the three parties share a "united principle of self-determination," which is crucial to the agreement. At a joint press conference, Swinney and O'Neill advocated for referendums on Scottish independence and Irish reunification, respectively.

Ap Iorwerth did not provide a timeline for a Welsh independence vote. Labour, governing at the UK level from London, criticized Plaid Cymru for potentially using its position in Wales to "break up Britain."