Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sign self-determination memorandum

The First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed a memorandum of understanding in Cardiff expressing support for each nation's right to self-determination and pledging cooperation in economic and other areas, Report informs via Sky News.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill agreed to cooperate on areas of common interest, including renewable energy development, building a stronger and fairer economy, strengthening relations with Europe and supporting the right of each nation to determine its own future.

Swinney called for a new referendum on Scottish independence to be held within the next five years.

O'Neill urged the UK and Irish governments to set a date for a border poll by 2030.

Iorwerth said that the question of Welsh independence and the timing of any decision "are in the hands of the people of Wales."

"They called on the "right to self-determination" for their nations and for the UK government to "prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction," Sky News reported.

Swinney represents the Scottish National Party (SNP), which supports Scottish independence. Iorwerth leads the Welsh party Plaid Cymru, which advocates Welsh independence. O'Neill, Northern Ireland's First Minister, is a member of Sinn Fein, which supports the reunification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland.