Leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Call for Constitutional Change Amid Trump’s Support for Irish Reunification

<p>The leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland called on the British government on Monday to "prepare for, plan and facilitate" constitutional change that could lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom. This statement followed President Donald Trump's remarks expressing his support for Irish reunification.</p><p>Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill made these comments in a joint declaration issued in Cardiff. The leaders met to strengthen cooperation among their regions and advance what they described as "constitutional change." </p><p>The declaration, signed during the summit, represents a challenge to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the U.K.’s constitutional framework. Trump, during a visit to Dublin over the weekend, stated, "It’s going to happen eventually. It might as well happen now," referring to the status of Northern Ireland.</p><p>On Sunday, Trump reiterated his support for a united Ireland, suggesting that merging the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland would be beneficial. He stated, "It just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland, and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together." He did not comment on Scotland during this visit.</p><p>By Monday, the nationalist leaders had released a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at driving constitutional change. They asserted that no Westminster government has the right to block democratic decisions made by Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.</p><p>In their statement, the leaders emphasized, "Each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people." They noted that for the first time, the leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom.</p><p>The memorandum calls for the British government to facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction. According to GB News, Burnham was informed that he could not prevent the breakup of the U.K.</p><p>Sinn Féin, the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly, issued this warning after signing the memorandum with the SNP and Plaid Cymru. O’Neill stated that the three nations share a "common cause" because "Westminster does not and will never serve our people well."</p><p>She added that the current changes are "unstoppable" and that no British prime minister can hold back the tide of nationalism. O’Neill stated, "Our common cause here is the understanding that Westminster does not and will never serve our people well."</p><p>The memorandum also commits the parties to cooperation on economic policy, renewable energy, and rebuilding ties with the European Union, among other areas. It calls for greater self-determination and emphasizes that the nations should work together as equals.</p><p>A spokesperson for Burnham stated that the Prime Minister is committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the Union. The spokesperson added, "The United Kingdom is at its best when people come together around our shared values and problem-solving, rather than division, and the Prime Minister will continue to ease pressures on household finances and delivering greater economic security, rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums."</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to 10 Downing Street for comment.</p>