The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed a memorandum of understanding committing to closer cooperation and putting renewed pressure on the UK government to facilitate independence referendums.

Axar.az reports, citing the Independent, that the agreement was signed in Cardiff on Monday by Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney, Welsh First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland First Minister and Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill.

The three leaders declared that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end” and that “constitutional change is coming”, calling on the British government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change” in each jurisdiction.

The agreement states that the three nations have the right to self-determination and that “no Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future.”

The leaders also committed to strengthening cooperation in areas including the economy, energy and international affairs.

Downing Street rejected the pact, saying Burnham remained focused on the cost-of-living crisis and economic security rather than constitutional issues.