MARY Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill are meeting today with the leaders of Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party to discuss constitutional change and co-operation between the parties.
The Sinn Féin leaders met with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and the leader of the Scottish National Party, John Swinney, in Cardiff this morning. The three parties have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding on how they can work together to achieve their shared goal of independence from the United Kingdom.
Referencing the "distinct histories, identities and political traditions" of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the memorandum states, "Each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people."
This is the first time that parties who are committed to independence have led government in the North, Wales and in Scotland. The Memorandum references this and what the parties say is the "changing political landscape across these islands".
"For people watching across these islands – for people watching around the world – there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end.
"We believe there is a better way: Nations working together as equals, sharing ideas and expertise, and building relationships based on mutual respect and common interests."
The parties have identified what they say are "practical areas" in which they can work together and make a real difference. These include issues around the economy, with which the parties have said they will share ideas on "how to build productive, prosperous economies that create good jobs, tackle inequality and ensure that wealth and opportunity are spread more fairly".
They say they have rejected "Whitehall's broken economic model and will instead build economies which deliver social justice and reduce inequality across our nations".
The parties have also committed to working together on energy issues, particularly in terms of expansion of renewables to "bring down bills for families and businesses". They say that, "The energy wealth of our nations should serve the needs of our people."
Ten years after Brexit, the three parties have committed to a future back inside the European Union for their respective nations. They refer to Europe as "our common home," and say that "Brexit has damaged our economies, and limited opportunities for our people".
"We believe the future of our nations belong in the European Union. We want to work together to rebuild and strengthen those European relationships, creating greater opportunities for trade, investment, culture and cooperation."
They have also outlined their commitment to self-determination on constitutional questions.
"Our nations have the right to self-determination: No Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future.
"We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction."
They continue: "The future should be one in which our nations can cooperate confidently, speak for themselves and build relationships with one another and with the wider world based on equality, respect and mutual benefit."
