Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Leaders Push for Independence Referendums

Leaders from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are planning a summit in Cardiff on Monday to sign a joint declaration demanding the right to hold independence referendums from the United Kingdom.

The Telegraph reported that Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O’Neill are expected to converge at the five-star St David's Hotel. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald will also be present. This meeting marks the first time the three governments will pursue constitutional ambitions in unison, aiming to make their challenge to London's supremacy a more coordinated effort.

The joint memorandum is expected to assert the rights of their citizens to hold independence referendums and cover areas including the economy, energy, Europe, internal cooperation, and self-determination. The parties reportedly intend to argue for joining the European Union, with Scotland and Wales as new members and Northern Ireland as part of the Republic of Ireland.

Plaid Cymru became the largest party in the Senedd in May elections, with Rhun ap Iowerth becoming First Minister of Wales. The Scottish National Party (SNP) remains dominant in Scotland. Sinn Fein has led Northern Ireland since Michelle O’Neill became First Minister in 2024. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently suggested to MPs that he would authorize a Scottish independence referendum if there was clear consensus favoring one, likening it to the process for a border poll in Northern Ireland.

However, Burnham later clarified that a second Scottish independence vote remains off-limits, stating there is no current consensus for it. Swinney asserted that the momentum behind serious constitutional change is undeniable and posited that Burnham may go down in history as the final prime minister of the United Kingdom. The declaration aims to increase pressure on Prime Minister Burnham. The Conservative shadow secretary of state for Scotland, Harriet Cross, called the summit nothing more than another blatant plot to break up the UK.