Story perspectives

Devolved leaders sign declaration backing independence referendums in Cardiff

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 4:02 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Devolved Leaders Meet

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaders will meet in Cardiff on Monday to sign a declaration seeking self-determination and independence referendums.
The declaration is framed as pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who wrote any referendum would be off limits and distract from economic growth.
Burnham argued a referendum would divert attention from efforts to grow the UK economy.
First Minister John Swinney said the independence movement’s momentum is undeniable.

Left

Swinney Signs Declaration

John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Michelle O’Neill will meet in Cardiff on Monday to sign a declaration for self-determination and independence referendums.
They frame the summit as a call for fair funding to improve services, while deputy Emma Little-Pengelly says O’Neill lacked permission to attend.
Scottish Education Secretary Mairi McAllan said an independence referendum remains possible and transformational.
Rhun ap Iorwerth stressed resource sharing to improve Welsh services.

Blindspot

DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said Michelle O’Neill had not sought permission to attend or sign the declaration as First Minister, highlighting internal disagreement within the Northern Ireland executive.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After the 2014 Scottish independence referendum—where 55.3% voted to stay in the UK and turnout reached 84.6%—the SNP-led Scottish government secured a 2012 Edinburgh Agreement that enabled the vote. In 2024 a new declaration signed by Scottish minister John Swinney revived calls for another referendum, signalling renewed constitutional debate across the United Kingdom.

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Devolved Leaders Meet

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaders will meet in Cardiff on Monday to sign a declaration seeking self-determination and independence referendums.
The declaration is framed as pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who wrote any referendum would be off limits and distract from economic growth.
Burnham argued a referendum would divert attention from efforts to grow the UK economy.
First Minister John Swinney said the independence movement’s momentum is undeniable.

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