Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Leaders Sign Landmark Memorandum Seeking Independence From UK
Leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland signed a memorandum in Cardiff affirming their right to self-determination and calling on Westminster to facilitate constitutional change, though each nation will pursue its path independently. The text notes that, for the first time, first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are committed to independence from the United Kingdom.
The Scottish National Party posted on Monday, September 14, that leaders of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales had signed a memorandum on independence to work together, stating that all nations should have a choice over their future. The post, issued by the official SNP account, followed a meeting in Cardiff where Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill signed the document alongside Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald. The participants attended in their capacities as party leaders.
Details of the Agreement
The memorandum of understanding affirms that each nation has the right to determine its own future through democratic means. It states that no Westminster government has the right to block democracy or prevent people from deciding their constitutional path. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Leaders To Gather for UK Break-Up Talks: Report.
Leaders of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales Have Signed Memorandum on Independence, Says SNP
🤝 Leaders of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales have signed memorandum on independence to work together.
All nations should have a choice over their future. pic.twitter.com/J44OlCnhga
— The SNP (@theSNP) September 14, 2026
The text notes that, for the first time, first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are committed to independence from the United Kingdom or, in Northern Ireland’s case, to Irish reunification. It calls on the UK government to prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction. The agreement also covers cooperation on the economy, energy and relations with Europe. The leaders said the future of their nations belongs in the European Union.
Differing Paths and Timelines
Scotland is seeking a second independence referendum. Swinney has said a vote should take place within the next five years, during the current Scottish parliamentary term. Northern Ireland’s focus remains on a border poll on Irish unity under the Good Friday Agreement. Wales is not pressing for an immediate independence referendum. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has emphasised longer-term constitutional reform. The leaders acknowledged that their parties hold different constitutional positions and that each nation will determine its future in its own way and time.
Background To the Meeting
The Cardiff summit is the first face-to-face gathering of the three nationalist leaders since Plaid Cymru took power in Wales following the May 2026 Senedd elections. It is the first time since devolution that pro-independence or pro-unity parties lead all three devolved administrations simultaneously. The meeting came days after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated in the House of Commons that a second Scottish independence referendum could be considered if clear public consensus emerged. A subsequent clarification from Downing Street stated that such a vote remained off limits for now. Recent polling places support for Scottish independence at around 47 per cent, with lower figures for Irish unity in Northern Ireland and Welsh independence. Ganga Aarti in London Videos: Thousands Gather on Thames for First-Ever Ceremony in UK.
Reactions To the Call for Independence
Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly of the Democratic Unionist Party said O’Neill had not sought agreement or permission to attend or sign any document as first minister, stressing that the roles are joint. The SNP’s social media post framed the signing as a step toward ensuring nations can choose their own futures. The agreement itself does not trigger any formal process for leaving the United Kingdom. Any change would require political agreement at Westminster and the consent of voters in each nation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2026 06:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
