UK separatist leaders to hold rare talks on independence push
LONDON, Sept 14 — The leaders of the main Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish separatist parties are to hold rare t...
LONDON, September 14 — Leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland's separatist parties are set to convene in Cardiff today to discuss their efforts to break away from Britain, according to a joint statement. John Swinney, head of the Scottish National Party, Rhun ap Iorwerth from Plaid Cymru, and Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Féin's Irish Republicans announced the meeting, which aims to push for self-determination votes within their respective regions.
The separatist leaders also highlighted their intention to collaborate on "practical areas of partnership around the economy, energy, and European and international cooperation." They further called on the British government to facilitate constitutional change in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The meeting occurs amid recent comments from US President Donald Trump, expressing support for a united Ireland. British Prime Minister Andrea Burnham has previously stated that a vote on independence in Northern Ireland is not on the table.
A Scottish referendum in 2014 narrowly voted to stay within the United Kingdom, and subsequent governments have ruled out a repeat vote. The parties advocating for independence are not currently the dominant political forces in their parliaments, marking a first since devolution began in 1999. Sinn Féin has been the largest party in Northern Ireland's assembly since 2022.
The regional parliaments possess significant authority over health, education, housing, transport, and environmental matters, as well as limited tax-collecting powers.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
