The leaders of three devolved UK nations signed a memorandum of understanding in Cardiff, asserting their right to self-determination and calling for constitutional change.

The first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff on Monday to sign a memorandum of understanding asserting the right of their nations to self-determination. The agreement, signed by party leaders John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Michelle O’Neill, alongside Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald, declares that the future of their nations belongs in the European Union and calls on the UK government to facilitate constitutional change.

Agreement on Self-Determination

The signatories met in their capacity as party leaders of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru, and Sinn Féin. The memorandum states that no Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that their populations should decide their own futures. The document explicitly calls for the British government to prepare for, plan, and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction. While the leaders expressed a shared commitment to the principle of self-determination, their specific goals vary. The SNP and Plaid Cymru support independence for Scotland and Wales, respectively, while Sinn Féin campaigns for Irish reunification. The parties also agreed to strengthen cooperation on issues including the economy and energy resources.

Political Context and Reactions

This meeting marks the first time that the largest parties in all three devolved parliaments of the UK are pro-independence. The development follows Plaid Cymru’s success in the Senedd elections, which ended Labour's control of the Welsh government. During the event, John Swinney and Michelle O’Neill called for referendums on Scottish independence and Irish reunification, though no specific timetable was set for a Welsh independence vote. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s office stated that he remains focused on the cost-of-living crisis rather than constitutional debates, emphasizing his belief in the United Kingdom. Conservative shadow Scottish secretary Harriet Cross criticized the meeting as a "separatist summit" and a "performative photo call." Additionally, the event occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed support for a reunified Ireland during a visit to his golf course.