Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are considering leaving the United Kingdom and plan to sign a joint declaration on Monday to demand self-determination.
The Telegraph, a British newspaper, reports that leaders of these three countries will meet in Cardiff, Wales’ capital, to discuss the possibility of leaving the United Kingdom.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
London is the capital city and is located in England. These countries have been politically united for over a century. England and Scotland formally united in 1707 to create Great Britain.
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Ireland joined the union in 1801. Although most of Ireland became independent in 1922, Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.
Now, leaders of the countries describe the status quo as unsustainable and call for the right to determine their own future. Debates over Scottish independence and Irish reunification have intensified.
The Telegraph reports that Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth, and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill are expected to sign an MOU designed to kick-start the process.
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The development comes a day after US President Donald Trump declared support for Ireland’s unification. He had said during a visit to Dublin on Saturday that he would love to see a united Ireland.
He said Northern Ireland joining the Republic would be “a great thing.”
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Mr Swinney, the Scottish First Minister, said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was “facing up to the idea that he will go down in history as the final prime minister of the United Kingdom.”
“For the first time, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are led by pro-independence first ministers. There could be no clearer sign that the status quo is not sustainable – and that Westminster must prepare for a post-UK future.
“Tomorrow in Cardiff, I am looking forward to discussing a better future with partners from across these islands – and that only comes with the fresh start of independence,” he was quoted as saying.
Last Wednesday, Mr Burnham said he would authorise another Scottish referendum on the matter if there’s a popular demand for one.
Part of the summit’s goal is to compel the UK Prime Minister to authorise one.
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