Leaders of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland sign memorandum on right to leave UK

 The first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Michelle O’Neill – have signed a memorandum of understanding affirming the regions’ right to leave the United Kingdom.

The signing ceremony took place in the Welsh capital of Cardiff.

In particular, the leaders called on the British government to "prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change" so that the regions could hold referendums on leaving the UK. "The future of our nations belongs in the European Union," they pointed out. The memorandum adds that the first ministers intend to boost economic cooperation.

•  British Prime Minister Andy Burnham does not support the idea of holding referendums in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on leaving the United Kingdom, a representative of the head of the British government said, as quoted by Sky News.

"The prime minister is committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the union. 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," he said.