Key facts
- First ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff.
- They signed a memorandum of understanding stating "the political landscape across these islands is changing".
- The leaders called for the British government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change.
- Support for independence is 47% in Scotland, 36% in Northern Ireland, and 32% in Wales.
- Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald expects an Irish reunification poll by 2030.
The first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland convened in Cardiff to discuss constitutional change and the potential for independence referendums. The summit, attended by leaders of Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party, and Sinn Féin, resulted in a memorandum of understanding asserting that "Westminster’s time is coming to an end." The leaders emphasized growing political momentum for self-determination and called on the UK government to facilitate these processes.
While the memorandum stated that "constitutional change is coming" and no Westminster government has the right to "block democracy," the specific aims and timelines for independence vary among the nations. Plaid Cymru has ruled out an independence referendum in its current term but seeks fuller devolution powers, similar to Scotland and Northern Ireland. The summit was the first meeting of these sister parties since Plaid Cymru's electoral success in May, which placed separatist parties in government across all three countries.
Recent polling indicates significant support for independence, with 47% of Scottish voters, 36% in Northern Ireland, and 32% in Wales favoring it. Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald expressed expectations for an Irish reunification poll by 2030. The UK government, however, stated its focus is on addressing economic concerns and household finances rather than engaging in constitutional debates or referendums. US President Donald Trump also weighed in during a visit to Ireland, expressing a desire to see a united Ireland.