The leaders of the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein have signed a new agreement in Cardiff today committing their parties to closer cooperation and declaring that constitutional change across the UK and Ireland is coming.
John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill signed the memorandum on Monday 14 September, setting out plans to work together on the economy, renewable energy, Europe and national self determination.
The agreement follows today’s meeting between the four political leaders and turns their commitment to greater cooperation into a formal memorandum of understanding.
At its heart is a shared declaration that Scotland, Wales and Ireland have the right to determine their own futures through democratic means.
The parties also point to what they describe as a significant change in the political landscape, with First Ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland now committed to leaving the United Kingdom.
The memorandum states:
“For people watching across these islands, for people watching around the world, there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end.”
“Momentum is behind our movements; we believe that constitutional change is coming.”
Despite that common objective, the agreement acknowledges the different political and constitutional circumstances facing Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Each nation, the parties say, will determine its future in its own way and in its own time.
The agreement goes beyond constitutional politics, with the parties committing to share ideas and experience on building stronger economies, creating jobs and reducing inequality.
Renewable energy is another area identified for cooperation, with the memorandum arguing that the energy resources of the three nations should be used to reduce costs for households and businesses.
Europe also features prominently, with all three parties blaming Brexit for economic damage and reduced opportunities.
The memorandum states:
“We believe the future of our nations belongs in the European Union.”
The parties intend to work together on rebuilding European relationships around trade, investment, culture and wider cooperation.
National self determination forms the fourth central commitment, with the agreement stating:
“No Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future.”
The memorandum concludes with a direct call for the UK Government to prepare for and facilitate possible constitutional change in each jurisdiction.
“The future should be one in which our nations can cooperate confidently, speak for themselves and build relationships with one another and with the wider world based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.
“Today marks a further step in building that cooperation.”
The agreement is signed by SNP leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald and Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O’Neill.
