Canary in Cardiff: Three leaders test the U.K. union
The pro-independence leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have scheduled a Cardiff summit for Sept. 14 to discuss cooperation on four policy areas, including self-determination. SummaryThree pro-independence first ministers plan Monday talks covering self-determination, economic policy, energy, and European relations.The Telegraph reports leaders will sign an agreement, but officials have not published its text.Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth rejected claims that the summit seeks Britains immediate breakup.Scotland cannot hold an independence referendum unilaterally because constitutional matters remain reserved to Westminster authorities.Northern Irelands statutory referendum route depends on a judgment by Britains Northern Ireland secretary alone. The Telegraph reported on Sept. 13 that Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill would sign a joint declaration or memorandum of understanding. Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin‘s president and leader of the opposition in Ireland’s Dáil, is expected to join the meeting at St Davids Hotel in Cardiff Bay. A press conference is planned after the talks. The reported agreement covers the economy, energy, relations with Europe and national self-determination. Its full text had not been published by the devolved governments or the participating parties as of Sept. 13. Ap Iorwerth has rejected the claim that









