Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed a new cooperation agreement described as an “independence pact,” intensifying debate over the future of the United Kingdom. The agreement calls for closer cooperation among nationalist movements and urges Westminster to prepare for constitutional change. Scotland’s John Swinney highlighted renewed demands for an independence referendum, while Wales’ Rhun ap Iorwerth argued that Westminster is failing to serve the nations effectively. Northern Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also backed the right to self-determination. The development follows Donald Trump’s recent comments supporting Irish reunification, adding fresh pressure to an already sensitive constitutional debate.
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