Leaders from the UK’s three devolved nations have signed a memorandum of understanding, seeking to work together in their shared ambition to leave the Union.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill met in Cardiff this morning for an unprecedented summit.
The leaders were also joined by Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of the opposition in Ireland.
Plaid Cymru’s victory at the Welsh elections in May meant that for the first time, the largest parties in all three devolved parliaments wanted to break away from the UK.
The MoU agreed by the three leaders today says: ‘Each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people.’
It continues: ‘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.
Make sense of the mad world of British politics
Get analysis of the latest stories direct to your inbox from Metro’s Senior Politics Reporter Craig Munro. Sign up here.
‘We believe there is a better way: nations working together as equals, sharing ideas and expertise, and building relationships based on mutual respect and common interests.
‘Momentum is behind our movements; we believe that constitutional change is coming.’
But the real-life impacts of the agreement are limited, and it refers only to ‘strengthening cooperation’ between the parties and ‘identifying practical areas’ where they can work together.
The MoU does not call for referendums to take place on independence immediately, saying ‘each nation will determine its own future in its own way and in its own time’.
However, it adds: ‘We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction.’
At a press conference following the meeting, Mary Lou McDonald said: ‘When the history books are written, I feel sure that this moment here in Cardiff will be remembered as one of those moments on our collective journey.’
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.