Published 8 hours ago • loading... • Updated 22 minutes ago
Leaders of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to sign memorandum on independence on Monday
The memorandum will also set out cooperation on the economy, energy, Europe and international cooperation, with 4 policy areas on the agenda.
On Monday, September 14, 2026, Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill met in Cardiff to sign a memorandum asserting their nations' right to self-determination.
May 2026 elections established pro-independence parties as the leading political forces in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the first time, creating unprecedented political alignment across the three nations.
The leaders committed to "prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change" by pooling efforts on economic, energy, and European policy to increase pressure on Westminster for referendums.
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly accused O'Neill of attempting to "weaponise the role of First Minister" without seeking agreement or permission from the power-sharing Executive.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham reiterated that independence referendums remain "off limits" to prioritize economic growth, maintaining the government's position despite the leaders' coordinated push for constitutional change.