Key facts
- Donald Trump stated he would "love" to see a united Ireland and that it "may as well happen now."
- Trump's comments were made during a press conference with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
- The UK government and unionist members of the Northern Ireland executive rebutted Trump's remarks.
- Trump later said he would save his opinion on Scottish independence for "another day."
- First ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are meeting to affirm their right to seek independence from the UK.
- The three leaders are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding calling for constitutional change.
Donald Trump stated he would "love" to see a united Ireland and that it "may as well happen now," during a press conference with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The comments prompted a swift rebuttal from the UK government and Northern Ireland's unionist power-sharing members.
Trump later said he would save his opinion on Scottish independence for "another day." The remarks came as the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff to affirm their nations’ right to seek independence from the UK. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Scottish National party leader John Swinney, and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding at the summit, calling on Westminster to "prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's approach to devolved administrations is less clear, though he has reiterated that a repeat of Scotland's 2014 independence referendum remains "off limits." Polling suggests 47% of Scottish voters, 36% in Northern Ireland, and 32% in Wales would opt for independence in a referendum.