Cardiff: The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to sign a joint declaration on Monday demanding the right to hold independence referendums, according to The Telegraph.
The agreement is expected to be signed by the three first ministers at an unprecedented summit in Cardiff and is intended to strengthen their ability to pursue constitutional change in their respective nations.
The meeting follows comments by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggesting to MPs that he could authorise another referendum on Scottish independence if there were a “clear consensus” in favour of holding one.
It also comes two days after US President Donald Trump publicly expressed support for the prospect of a united Ireland during a visit to Dublin.
Trump said he would “love” to see Northern Ireland join the Republic of Ireland, describing unification as “a great thing” and asking: “How can it be bad?”
The developments are increasing constitutional pressure on Burnham, whose government has placed greater devolution of power within England at the centre of its domestic agenda.
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney said Burnham was “facing up to the idea that he will go down in history as the final prime minister of the United Kingdom.”
The political landscape across Britain’s devolved nations shifted significantly following elections in Wales in May, leaving pro-independence parties leading Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland simultaneously for the first time.
Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Welsh Senedd, with party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth subsequently becoming First Minister of Wales.
In Scotland, the SNP retained its position as the dominant political force despite losing six seats in the Scottish Parliament, as Reform and the Greens made gains.
The Cardiff declaration is expected to intensify debate over the constitutional future of the United Kingdom and the powers of its devolved governments.