Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to meet on Monday to discuss their countries’ future within the United Kingdom.
The leaders are expected to sign a joint memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting discussions about self determination and the possibility of a future outside the UK.
The meeting will take place in Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
England and Scotland formally united in 1707 to form Great Britain, while Ireland joined the union in 1801. Most of Ireland later became independent in 1922, but Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.
Discussions about Scottish independence and Irish reunification have increased in recent years, while calls for greater political independence have also grown in Wales.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, Wales’ First Minister, Rhun ap Iowerth, and Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, are expected to take part in the meeting.
Swinney said the current political arrangement was no longer sustainable and argued that Westminster should prepare for a future in which the United Kingdom may no longer exist in its present form.
“For the first time, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are led by pro independence first ministers,” Swinney said.
He added that the situation showed the need for a new political direction and said independence would provide a fresh start.
The development comes shortly after United States President Donald Trump expressed support for Irish reunification.
During a visit to Dublin on Saturday, Trump said he would like to see Ireland united and described the possibility of Northern Ireland joining the Republic of Ireland as “a great thing.”
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham had also said last Wednesday that he would allow another referendum on Scottish independence if there was strong public demand for one.
The Cardiff meeting is expected to increase pressure on the UK government to allow another Scottish independence referendum and to open wider discussions about the future of the United Kingdom.
