Story perspectives

Swinney Tells Wales Independence Could Cut Child Poverty

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:19 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

John Swinney flew to Cardiff to meet Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill.
Russell Findlay said Sinn Féin has never denounced IRA terrorism and criticised Swinney’s partnership.
Swinney argued independence would tackle child poverty, boost the economy, improve the NHS and reform services.
Swinney said any new independence referendum would need UK Government consent under current law.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement, signed on 10 April 1998, ended most of the Troubles and enshrined the principle that any change to Northern Ireland’s status requires majority consent, a view confirmed by a 71.1% “yes” vote in the 22 May 1998 referendum with 81% turnout. Today, Scottish leader John Swinney’s talks with Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill invoke that consent framework for any future independence referendum.

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Story summary

John Swinney flew to Cardiff to meet Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill.
Russell Findlay said Sinn Féin has never denounced IRA terrorism and criticised Swinney’s partnership.
Swinney argued independence would tackle child poverty, boost the economy, improve the NHS and reform services.
Swinney said any new independence referendum would need UK Government consent under current law.

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