Nationalist political leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed a joint declaration on the constitutional future of the United Kingdom.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald met in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, on September 14.
Following the meeting, the leaders signed the Cardiff Declaration, calling on the UK central government in London to prepare for, plan and facilitate a process of constitutional change.
Criticism of the Westminster system
The declaration criticised the current Westminster-centred system of government and said the nations within the United Kingdom should have a greater say over their political futures.
The leaders argued that no government in London should prevent people from exercising their democratic right to determine their own future.
The simultaneous presence of nationalist parties in government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was described as providing a new basis for political cooperation.
Cooperation on the economy and energy
Economic policy was also addressed in the declaration. The leaders criticised the economic approach pursued by Whitehall and called for measures to support economic growth.
They said joint projects would focus on developing renewable energy resources and making more effective use of the energy potential of the three nations.
Message on the European Union
The declaration also included calls for closer relations with the European Union following the UK's withdrawal from the bloc.
The text stated that “the future of our nations lies in the European Union.” The leaders expressed a shared intention to work towards reducing the long-term impact of Brexit and strengthening ties with Europe.
Different constitutional goals
The declaration acknowledged that the constitutional objectives of the participating political movements are different.
The SNP and Plaid Cymru support independence for Scotland and Wales, respectively, while Sinn Féin supports Irish reunification.
Despite these differences, the declaration said each nation’s right to determine its own constitutional future and pursue its political process according to its own timetable should be respected.
Emphasis on “equal partners”
In their joint statement, the leaders called for the nations to work together as “equal partners” in the future.
They called for greater cooperation in political and economic affairs, including the sharing of expertise and ideas and the development of relationships based on mutual respect and common interests.
The Cardiff declaration is expected to strengthen coordination among nationalist parties at a time when debates over Scottish and Welsh independence, as well as Northern Ireland’s constitutional future, remain ongoing.
