The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to sign a joint declaration calling for greater self-determination and the right to hold independence referendums, according to British media reports.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill are due to meet in Cardiff on Monday.
The declaration is expected to cover economic policy, energy, relations with Europe, cooperation between the three devolved governments and their respective rights to determine their constitutional futures.
It will reportedly call for each nation to be allowed to pursue membership of the European Union if it leaves the United Kingdom. Scotland and Wales would seek to join as independent states, while Northern Ireland could re-enter the bloc through reunification with the Republic of Ireland.
The three leaders are also expected to commit to strengthening ties with European countries as they pursue greater autonomy from Westminster.
The initiative is likely to intensify pressure on British Prime Minister Andy Burnham following his suggestion that another Scottish independence referendum could be held if there were clear public support.
Burnham subsequently rejected Swinney’s request for talks on establishing a legally agreed route to a second vote, saying there was no broad consensus for another referendum and that Scotland’s constitutional circumstances differed from those of Northern Ireland.
The prime minister said renewed constitutional campaigns would distract the government from expanding the economy and reducing living costs.
However, the Welsh first minister rejected suggestions that Monday’s meeting was intended to plot the breakup of the United Kingdom.
Ap Iorwerth said his priority was to strengthen Wales and described independence as the eventual destination of the country’s “constitutional journey,” while stressing that the timing and outcome must be decided by the Welsh public.
