Leaders of pro-independence parties in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will meet in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, to discuss issues shared by the three regions.
The meeting will be attended by Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Fein in the Republic of Ireland, will also take part.
The right to self-determination is on the agenda
The talks, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth, will address the common interests of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as their right to determine their own future.
The Telegraph reported that the three leaders will sign a memorandum of understanding reiterating their demands for independence referendums. The newspaper said the document aims to increase pressure on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in pursuit of that goal.
The political structure in the regions
Pro-independence parties govern alone in Wales and Scotland despite lacking a majority. Northern Ireland operates under a power-sharing model in which different parties hold equal power.
Michelle O'Neill serves as Northern Ireland's First Minister, while pro-UK politician Emma Little-Pengelly is Deputy First Minister. Burnham has argued that most people in Northern Ireland want to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Statements on Irish reunification
Burnham previously said he would not support independence referendums in Northern Ireland and Scotland and that such initiatives would not comply with the law.
US President Donald Trump also said, after meeting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, that it would be wonderful for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to unite.
In a statement on the meeting, John Swinney argued that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are being governed by pro-independence administrations for the first time.
