Scotland and Wales to sign a cooperation agreement at the Cardiff independence summit
The first ministers of Scotland and Wales, John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth, were due to sign an agreement on future collaboration in areas of shared interest on Monday afternoon, after meeting in Cardiff with Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, in the first face-to-face gathering of the three since ap Iorwerth took office in May.
Scotland and Wales are set to sign a cooperation agreement at the Cardiff independence summit, marking the first time in three decades that the three devolved administrations in the United Kingdom are led by figures favoring independence. The agreement will focus on areas of shared interest, including energy, the economy, relations with Europe, and constitutional questions.
John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, and Rhun ap Iorwerth, the First Minister of Wales, are expected to sign the document on Monday afternoon. The meeting, held in Cardiff, also included Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill, acting in her role as a party representative. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald attended the morning session.
The political landscape, with all three leaders favoring independence, justifies practical cooperation on various issues. Ap Iorwerth and O'Neill openly call for referendums, while Swinney has ruled out pushing for one during his party's first term in government. The meeting comes following British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's comments that a second Scottish referendum may be considered if there is clear public support.
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