Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sign a historic agreement for self-determination

The Chief Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland signed a historic manifesto on Monday detailing the next steps in the right to decide.

Ata meeting in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, the signatories stressed that the hearing was held at the head of their respective political parties (SNP, Plaid Cymru eta Sinn Féin). The three leaders, John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Michelle O'Neill, have denounced the damage caused by Brexit and insisted that their future "lies in the European Union."

The End of Westminster

In a joint communiqué, the authorities claim the right to self-determination and warn London that "no government in Westminster has the right to block democracy." They also say that each territory has different constitutional deadlines and channels, but they commit themselves to working together en bloc to determine its own future and build stronger and fairer economies.

The text makes a clear nod to the EuropeanUnion: 'Brexit harmed our economies and limited the possibilities of our citizens. We see the future of our territories within the European Union and we want to work together to rebuild and strengthen these relations with Europe,' they say.

The document does not contain the word "referendum." However, at the subsequent press conference Swinney and Yes O'Neill have made it clear that this is what they want for their people. The Welsh Minister, however, has not mentioned a date, because the independence sentiment in Wales is more moderate than the other two, although it has been gaining strength in recent years.

London's response

The British Government has tried to play down this unprecedented meeting. A spokesman for Prime Minister Andy Burnham made statements on Monday in which he said: "The United Kingdom is doing its best on the values shared by peoples and when they come together to solve problems." Burnham added that his government is focused on easing the economic burden on citizens before "getting involved in constitutional debates or future referendums."

Trunp's words

The meeting comes two days after US President Donald Trump said, on a visit to Dublin, that he would like to see Ireland "united" and that it will happen "sooner or later." These statements have been widely criticized in the UK, especially by opposition parties.

Burnham himself assured this week that the possibility of a new referendum on Scotland's independence is still 'out of the debate', but suggested that this position could change if there were evidence of a consensus among the public in favour of the vote.