Story perspectives

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Push Independence Referendums

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 10:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will sign a memorandum in Cardiff demanding independence referendums on Monday.
They meet as party leaders, not as government officials, according to the Press Association.
The memorandum outlines cooperation on the economy, energy, Europe, international affairs and self-determination.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham later said a Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits” after a letter to Swinney.

History

Historical Context

The Good Friday Agreement, signed on 10 April 1998 in Belfast by the UK and Irish governments and most Northern Irish parties, ended the Troubles and created a power-sharing executive, with a border-poll provision approved by 71 % of voters (81 % turnout). The Cardiff memorandum signed by First Ministers Humza Yousaf, Mark Drakeford and Michelle O’Neill calls for UK-wide independence referendums, echoing the 1998 framework and hinting at a constitutional overhaul.

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Story summary

Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will sign a memorandum in Cardiff demanding independence referendums on Monday.
They meet as party leaders, not as government officials, according to the Press Association.
The memorandum outlines cooperation on the economy, energy, Europe, international affairs and self-determination.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham later said a Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits” after a letter to Swinney.

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