First Minister John Swinney has said he wants a second Scottish independence referendum before the end of the current Holyrood term in 2031.

The SNP leader made the commitment after talks in Cardiff with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill.

The four signed a joint declaration stating that "Westminster's time is coming to an end" and that each nation should have the right to determine its own future.

Swinney said he wanted to ensure Scots "have a choice on their constitutional future" during this parliamentary term and predicted Andy Burnham would be the last UK prime minister.

He added: "The people of Scotland, if given the choice of independence in a referendum, will take that choice, because all of the information that we see in front of us about the trends in opinion polling indicate that's the preference of the people of Scotland."

However, Burnham has said another referendum remains "off limits" unless there is majority public support.

His spokesman said the Prime Minister was "committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the union", adding that the government would focus on easing pressure on household finances and delivering greater economic security "rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums."

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