Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland sign memorandum on independence from Britain

The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed a memorandum on self-determination and independence from the United Kingdom, saying they see their nations' future within the European Union, infohub.kz reports.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) said in a post on X that the document was signed by the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — John Swinney (SNP), Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) and Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin).

"The leaders of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have signed a memorandum on independence to work together. All nations must have the right to choose their own future," the party said. A copy of the memorandum itself was attached to the post.

The document notes that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own history, identity and political traditions.

"Our nations have the right to determine their future democratically. We share the conviction that the nations and communities we represent deserve greater freedom of economic opportunity and a stronger voice in shaping their future. The political landscape across these islands is changing. For the first time in history, the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are jointly committed to the idea of independence from the United Kingdom," the document says.

The first ministers also state that, in their view, "Westminster's time is coming to an end."

"We believe there is a better way: nations working together as equals, exchanging ideas and experience and building relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests. Our movement is gathering pace; we believe constitutional change is inevitable (...). Brexit has damaged our economies and limited opportunities for our people. We believe the future of our countries lies with the European Union (...). We call on the British government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction. The future must be one in which our countries can cooperate confidently, speak for themselves and build relationships with one another and with the rest of the world on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit," the memorandum says.