First ministers at Celtic summit to affirm right to seek independence from the UK

Call for ‘constitutional change in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland’ likely to challenge Burnham’s devolution agenda

The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are meeting to affirm their nations’ right to seek independence from the UK, as part of a summit that is likely to challenge Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth , Scottish National party leader John Swinney and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding at a landmark conference in Cardiff on Monday, calling on Westminster “to prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland”.

The three are meeting in their capacity as party leaders, rather than as officials in their respective governments, alongside Sinn Féin president and leader of the opposition in Ireland, Mary Lou McDonald. They will also discuss Europe, international cooperation, the economy and energy issues.

Plaid Cymru’s victory in May’s Senedd elections ushered in a new era for the Celtic independence movements: for the first time, separatist parties are now in government in all three nations.

While Burnham has made much of his support for regional devolution of power and resources in England since becoming prime minister in July, his approach to the devolved administrations in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh is less clear .

Last week, Burnham wrote to Swinney to reiterate that a repeat of 2014’s Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits”, after apparently misspeaking during prime minister’s questions.

Donald Trump also weighed in on a potential break-up of the UK during a weekend visit to Ireland, telling reporters at a media conference with the taoiseach, Micheál Martin, that he would “love” to see a united Ireland and that it “may as well happen now”.