UK’s unity threatened by pact between Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

LONDON, SEP 15 (AP): Leaders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland signed a pact Monday calling on the UK government to prepare for constitutional change and asserting that their future lies with the European Union, raising concerns over the unity of the United Kingdom.
The first ministers said in a memorandum of understanding that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end,” referring to Parliament. The announcement came about 48 hours after US President Donald Trump said he would “love to see” a reunified Ireland during a visit to his golf course hosting the Irish Open.
It is the first time the leaders of all three countries are either from pro-independence parties or, in Northern Ireland’s case, a pro-unification party. Scotland’s John Swinney and Northern Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill called for independence referendums, while Wales’ Rhun ap Iorwerth gave no timetable.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s spokesperson dismissed the threat, saying the PM strongly supports the union and is focused on reducing the cost of living.
Devolution in the late 1990s gave Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland varying degrees of self-government, while London retained control over national and England-related matters.