Leaders at Celtic summit to affirm right to seek independence from UK

• SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin leaders are expected to sign an agreement calling for independence referendums.
• The Cardiff meeting comes amid renewed debate over Scotland’s independence and Irish reunification.

Leaders of the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at increasing pressure on the UK government to allow independence referendums in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

SNP leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill are due to meet in Cardiff for the summit. They will attend as party leaders rather than in their official government capacities.

The agreement is expected to call for referendums on the constitutional futures of their respective nations, while outlining areas where the parties can cooperate.

The meeting comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the House of Commons that another Scottish independence referendum could take place if there were a “clear consensus” in Scotland. Downing Street later clarified in a letter to Swinney that such a referendum remained “off limits.”

Sinn Féin said the parties would discuss cooperation and the right of each nation to determine its future through democratic means. The party also said the Good Friday Agreement provides the framework for deciding Ireland’s constitutional future.

Meanwhile, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the leaders would focus on areas where they share common ground, including their approach to the UK government and funding arrangements.

In Scotland, Education Secretary Mairi McAllan said an independence referendum was “not off the table,” adding to renewed debate over the issue.