SF, SNP, Welsh leaders sign deal pushing for independence

The leaders of Sinn Féin, the SNP, and Plaid Cymru have declared that "Westminster's time is coming to an end" in a joint agreement aimed at putting pressure on Downing Street to hold referendums on independence.

The first ministers of the UK's three devolved nations - SNP leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill - signed the memorandum of understanding during a meeting in Cardiff this morning.

Along with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, the leaders called on the British government to "prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change".

The group, who met in their capacity as party leaders - rather than as officials in their respective governments, also stated their ambitions for partnership around the economy, energy and international co-operation.

The agreement says: "The political landscape across these islands is changing.

"For the first time ever, people across these islands have first ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom.

"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.

"Momentum is behind our movements; we believe that constitutional change is coming.

"We therefore commit to strengthening cooperation between our parties and identifying practical areas where working together can make a real difference."

The agreement sets out plans to "reject Whitehall's broken economic model" and share ideas on economic growth, expand energy resources, and states that "the future of our nations belongs in the European Union".

The leaders add: "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 recognise that our parties have different constitutional positions and that each nation will determine its own future in its own way and in its own time.

"We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction."

Speaking at the signing event this morning, Ms O'Neill said Donald Trump's comments in support of Irish unity show the debate is "very much alive".

"I think the comments from the president of the United States very much reflect the fact that the unity debate is very much alive, and people are engaged in it, not just at home, but obviously now internationally as well.

"I think that tells us where we're at with where the thinking is around what is the big prize here for our people, and the big prize here is unification.

"It is the end of partition and it is that new beginning in a new Ireland.

"I think the comments that we've seen over the weekend very much reflect that there is a chorus now of people that are engaged in this debate."

O'Neill 'had not sought permission to travel or sign deal' - DUP

Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP, said Ms O'Neill had "not sought any agreement or permission from me to travel, attend or sign anything as First Minister".

Successive UK governments have been consistently against the holding of referendums on separation since the 2014 vote in Scotland and hopes earlier this week of a softening position were dashed by Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Commons another vote in Scotland could be held if there was a "clear consensus" north of the border for it, but a letter sent to Mr Swinney later clarified a referendum remained "off limits".

The issue of a border poll in Ireland has been thrust into the spotlight following weekend comments from US President Donald Trump in support of Irish unity.

Ms Little-Pengelly, the joint head of the Stormont powersharing Executive accused Ms O'Neill of attempting to "weaponise the role of First Minister".

In a social media post she said: "Let me be absolutely clear. Michelle O'Neill is not travelling to this 'summit' as First Minister, she has no authority to present herself as representing the FM role at any such 'summit' and nor does she have any authority to sign anything as First Minister of Northern Ireland at any such 'summit'.

"She has not sought any agreement or permission from me to travel, attend or sign anything as First Minister.

"She would have needed to do so to do anything as FM. The formal roles we hold are entirely joint roles."

Watch: What did Donald Trump say about a united Ireland?

Changed dynamic in British politics, says Murphy

Sinn Féin's leader in the Seanad said there is a changed dynamic in British politics and that he thinks there is a recognition that this "brings us to a new footing".

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme, Senator Conor Murphy said today's meeting of Sinn Féin, SNP and Plaid Cymru aims to establish a formalised programme of collaboration between the nationalist parties.

There is clearly a changed dynamic in British politics with the continued success of the SNP and election of Plaid, he said, and "I think there is a recognition that this brings us to a new footing".

Referencing Donald Trump's comments on a united Ireland, Mr Murphy said it reinforces the need for the Taoiseach to get down "to serious preparation" for constitutional change on the island.

Mr Murphy said no one wants to stumble into a Brexit-like scenario and there must be an orderly and smooth transition into constitutional change.

There has always been bi-partisan support in the US for Northern Ireland, Senator Murphy added.

"So I hope it has some positive effect in that regard. But it is interesting nonetheless. I think he (Trump) reflects the general view of politics in the United States in relation to Ireland," he said.