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Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland leaders back self-determination memorandum

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 11:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Independence Leaders Sign Memo

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaders signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling for self-determination.
Signatories were SNP leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill and president Mary Lou McDonald.
The memorandum urges the British government to prepare constitutional change and says Westminster cannot block democracy.
It is the first joint pro-independence leadership of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Summary

Trump Favors Reunification

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would love to see a reunified Ireland during his Irish Open visit.
DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly accused Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill of weaponising the first-minister role.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s spokesperson Tom Wells said the government prioritises cost-of-living relief over constitutional debates.
University of Glasgow director Nicola McEwen said the summit holds no legal weight and poses no greater union threat.

History

Historical Context

After the 10 April 1998 Good Friday Agreement—brokered by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern—71 % of Northern Irish voters approved it in the 22 May 1998 referendum, with 2.5 million people voting across the island. The deal created a devolved assembly in 1999, a model SNP leader John Swinney now cites in his new constitutional memorandum.

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Independence Leaders Sign Memo

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaders signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling for self-determination.
Signatories were SNP leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill and president Mary Lou McDonald.
The memorandum urges the British government to prepare constitutional change and says Westminster cannot block democracy.
It is the first joint pro-independence leadership of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

1 / 3