Irish, Scottish, Welsh Leaders to Sign Self-Determination Pact in Cardiff

Is the case for independence referendums a democratic right or just anti-Labour anger?

4 days ago·Updated 1 day ago

Irish, Scottish, Welsh Leaders to Sign Self-Determination Pact in Cardiff

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Above: National flags in Belfast, Northern Ireland, U.K., on Jan. 3, 2020. Image credit: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Nations have the right to decide their own future, and no prime minister in London gets a veto over that. The Good Friday Agreement already spells out a peaceful, democratic path to Irish reunification, and Scotland and Wales deserve the same chance at the ballot box. Refusing to allow a referendum only reveals a fear of what the electoral response could be.

The Irish News

The Tectonic on X

Right narrative

A protest vote against a failing Labour Party is not a mandate to break up Britain. Most voters in Scotland didn't back the SNP, most in Wales didn't back Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein just lost by-elections in its own backyard, including the party leader's own constituency. Suggesting anti-Labour anger is constitutional consent is wishful thinking, not a popular mandate.

UIB South Wales Central on X Conservative Home

Left narrative

Burham's devolution drive could go either way. While the intention to address regional issues by empowering councils is a powerful headline, the latest announcement from Scottish, Irish and Welsh leaders shows the risk of factionalism and instability such an approach poses. Labour cannot risk the Tories and Reform crowing about another broken promise.

The Guardian