The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland declared on Monday that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end”, and that the UK government should prepare for constitutional change. The nationalist leaders from Plaid Cymru, Sinn Féin and the SNP who want their countries to leave the United Kingdom met at a landmark summit aimed at putting the UK’s Celtic nations on the path to independence referendums. The summit in Cardiff on Monday was the first face-to-face meeting since Plaid Cymru won Senedd elections, which put separatist parties in government in all three countries for the first time.&nbsp;The Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth; the Scottish National party leader, John Swinney; Sinn Féin’s vice-president, Michelle O’Neill, and the president and leader of the opposition in Ireland, Mary Lou McDonald, signed a Memorandum of Understanding recognising that “the political landscape across these islands is changing”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tech-stocks-fall-after-ai-bosses-call-for-a-slowdown-in-reckless-progress-1789387989365">Tech stocks fall after AI bosses call for a slowdown in ‘reckless’ progress</a><h2>‘No Westminster govt has the right to block democracy’</h2>&nbsp;“Momentum is behind our movements; we believe that constitutional change is coming,” the MoU read. “No Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future.”“We call for the British government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction,” it added.UK PM Andy Burnham has put regional devolution of power and resources in England at the heart of his agenda, but policy towards the devolved administrations has been muddled.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-reset-ties-with-india-have-engagement-based-on-mutual-interests-says-bangladesh-minister-1789326034045">‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister</a>&nbsp;The issue of Scottish independence and Irish reunification resurfaced last week when Burnham wrote to Swinney to reiterate that a repeat of 2014’s Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits” after apparently misspeaking during the prime minister’s questions.&nbsp;<h2>Trump’s intervention prompted rebuttal from UK govt</h2>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump also weighed in on a potential breakup of the UK during a visit to Ireland, saying he would love to see a united Ireland, and it “may as well happen now”. The unexpected intervention prompted a swift rebuttal from the UK government and the unionist power-sharing members of the Northern Ireland executive.&nbsp;Plaid Cymru has ruled out an independence referendum in its first term, but Welsh ministers are seeking devolution of powers on a par with Scotland and Northern Ireland, which Burnham has said he is “open” to.Latest polling suggests 47% of Scottish voters would opt for independence in a referendum if one were held tomorrow, along with 36% in Northern Ireland and 32% in Wales. Support for independence in Scotland has hovered between 45% and 50% since the 2014 referendum, while data suggest it is rising in Wales and Northern Ireland.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-ukraine-to-stop-targeting-russian-refineries-says-attacks-causing-shortage-of-diesel-1789316749492">Trump tells Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refineries, says attacks causing shortage of diesel</a>&nbsp;Sinn Féin’s McDonald said on Monday that she expects an Irish reunification poll to take place by 2030. The prime minister is expected to meet with the three first ministers next month.A UK government spokesperson said, “The prime minister’s approach to working with the first and deputy first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is based on partnership and collaboration.”“The UK government is focused on addressing the issues that matter most to families, including easing pressures on household finances and delivering greater economic security, rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums.”&nbsp;<h2>What is Westminster?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Westminster refers to the UK Parliament and government based in London, which holds supreme legislative authority over the entire United Kingdom while sharing specific powers with devolved administrations.&nbsp;For Ireland (specifically Northern Ireland), Scotland, and Wales, Westminster represents the central governing power that oversees UK-wide matters like defenxe and foreign policy, but which nationalist leaders from these nations have increasingly challenged regarding democratic self-determination.

The issue of Scottish independence and Irish reunification resurfaced last week when PM Andy Burnham wrote to John Swinney to reiterate that a repeat of 2014’s Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits” after apparently misspeaking during the prime minister’s questions.

The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland declared on Monday that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end”, and that the UK government should prepare for constitutional change. The nationalist leaders from Plaid Cymru, Sinn Féin and the SNP who want their countries to leave the United Kingdom met at a landmark summit aimed at putting the UK’s Celtic nations on the path to independence referendums. The summit in Cardiff on Monday was the first face-to-face meeting since Plaid Cymru won Senedd elections, which put separatist parties in government in all three countries for the first time. The Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth; the Scottish National party leader, John Swinney; Sinn Féin’s vice-president, Michelle O’Neill, and the president and leader of the opposition in Ireland, Mary Lou McDonald, signed a Memorandum of Understanding recognising that “the political landscape across these islands is changing”. Also Read: Tech stocks fall after AI bosses call for a slowdown in ‘reckless’ progress ‘No Westminster govt has the right to block democracy’ “Momentum is behind our movements; we believe that constitutional change is coming,” the MoU read. “No Westminster government has the right to block democracy or undermine the principle that our people will decide their own future.” “We call for the British government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction,” it added. UK PM Andy Burnham has put regional devolution of power and resources in England at the heart of his agenda, but policy towards the devolved administrations has been muddled. Also Read: ‘Want to reset ties with India, have engagement based on mutual interests,’ says Bangladesh minister The issue of Scottish independence and Irish reunification resurfaced last week when Burnham wrote to Swinney to reiterate that a repeat of 2014’s Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits” after apparently misspeaking during the prime minister’s questions. Trump’s intervention prompted rebuttal from UK govt US President Donald Trump also weighed in on a potential breakup of the UK during a visit to Ireland, saying he would love to see a united Ireland, and it “may as well happen now”. The unexpected intervention prompted a swift rebuttal from the UK government and the unionist power-sharing members of the Northern Ireland executive. Plaid Cymru has ruled out an independence referendum in its first term, but Welsh ministers are seeking devolution of powers on a par with Scotland and Northern Ireland, which Burnham has said he is “open” to. Latest polling suggests 47% of Scottish voters would opt for independence in a referendum if one were held tomorrow, along with 36% in Northern Ireland and 32% in Wales. Support for independence in Scotland has hovered between 45% and 50% since the 2014 referendum, while data suggest it is rising in Wales and Northern Ireland. Also Read: Trump tells Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refineries, says attacks causing shortage of diesel Sinn Féin’s McDonald said on Monday that she expects an Irish reunification poll to take place by 2030. The prime minister is expected to meet with the three first ministers next month. A UK government spokesperson said, “The prime minister’s approach to working with the first and deputy first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is based on partnership and collaboration.” “The UK government is focused on addressing the issues that matter most to families, including easing pressures on household finances and delivering greater economic security, rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums.” What is Westminster? Westminster refers to the UK Parliament and government based in London, which holds supreme legislative authority over the entire United Kingdom while sharing specific powers with devolved administrations. For Ireland (specifically Northern Ireland), Scotland, and Wales, Westminster represents the central governing power that oversees UK-wide matters like defenxe and foreign policy, but which nationalist leaders from these nations have increasingly challenged regarding democratic self-determination.

The issue of Scottish independence and Irish reunification resurfaced last week when PM Andy Burnham wrote to John Swinney to reiterate that a repeat of 2014’s Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits” after apparently misspeaking during the prime minister’s questions.

‘Westminster’s time is coming to an end,’ say Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish leaders at Cardiff summit

The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to meet in Cardiff on Monday to discuss plans for greater constitutional autonomy and the possible breakup of the United Kingdom, according to The Telegraph.&nbsp;Scotland First Minister John Swinney, Wales First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill are expected to sign a joint declaration calling for the right to hold referendums on independence. The meeting would be significant as pro-independence parties now govern all three constituent nations for the first time.&nbsp;According to The Telegraph, the summit is aimed at increasing pressure on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham after he told Parliament that he would support another Scottish independence referendum if there was a “clear consensus” in favour of one.&nbsp;The three leaders are expected to use the unprecedented Cardiff meeting to push for their nations to have a greater say in determining their constitutional futures. The gathering is also expected to focus on closer cooperation between the devolved governments.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whoever-wins-ai-wins-trump-brushes-off-fears-rejects-ai-bosses-calls-to-slow-development-1789309834381">‘Whoever wins AI wins’: Trump brushes off fears, rejects AI bosses’ calls to slow development</a><h2>Pro-independence parties gain ground</h2>The meeting comes after major political changes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.In Wales, Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Cardiff Senedd following May’s elections. Its leader, Rhun ap Iowerth, subsequently became First Minister.&nbsp;In Scotland, the Scottish National Party remained the dominant political force despite losing six seats at Holyrood, while Reform and the Greens made gains.&nbsp;Northern Ireland has been led by Sinn Féin since Michelle O’Neill became First Minister in 2024. Sinn Féin emerged as the largest party in the 2022 Stormont elections, although a walkout by the Democratic Unionist Party delayed the formation of the executive.&nbsp;Sinn Féin is widely expected to remain in power when Northern Ireland holds its next election next year.The Cardiff summit will also include Sinn Féin president and Irish opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald. The leaders are expected to discuss greater cooperation and a renewed push for constitutional autonomy at the meeting.<h2>Trump’s Irish reunification remarks add to debate</h2>The summit also comes amid renewed discussion over Northern Ireland’s constitutional future after US President Donald Trump commented on Irish reunification.&nbsp;During a visit to Dublin on Saturday, Trump said he would “love” to see a united Ireland. He described Northern Ireland joining the Republic of Ireland as “a great thing” and asked, “How can it be bad?”&nbsp;The comments have added another dimension to the political debate, as nationalist parties in the UK’s devolved nations push for greater control over their constitutional futures.&nbsp;Burnham has made the devolution of power in England a central part of his political agenda. Swinney has meanwhile accused the UK prime minister of facing the prospect of becoming “the final prime minister of the United Kingdom”.&nbsp;The Cardiff meeting is expected to further intensify the debate over the future of the United Kingdom and the powers of its constituent nations.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaders are set to meet in Cardiff to push for independence referendums and greater control over their constitutional futures.

The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set to meet in Cardiff on Monday to discuss plans for greater constitutional autonomy and the possible breakup of the United Kingdom, according to The Telegraph. Scotland First Minister John Swinney, Wales First Minister Rhun ap Iowerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill are expected to sign a joint declaration calling for the right to hold referendums on independence. The meeting would be significant as pro-independence parties now govern all three constituent nations for the first time. According to The Telegraph, the summit is aimed at increasing pressure on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham after he told Parliament that he would support another Scottish independence referendum if there was a “clear consensus” in favour of one. The three leaders are expected to use the unprecedented Cardiff meeting to push for their nations to have a greater say in determining their constitutional futures. The gathering is also expected to focus on closer cooperation between the devolved governments. Also Read: ‘Whoever wins AI wins’: Trump brushes off fears, rejects AI bosses’ calls to slow development Pro-independence parties gain ground The meeting comes after major political changes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Wales, Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Cardiff Senedd following May’s elections. Its leader, Rhun ap Iowerth, subsequently became First Minister. In Scotland, the Scottish National Party remained the dominant political force despite losing six seats at Holyrood, while Reform and the Greens made gains. Northern Ireland has been led by Sinn Féin since Michelle O’Neill became First Minister in 2024. Sinn Féin emerged as the largest party in the 2022 Stormont elections, although a walkout by the Democratic Unionist Party delayed the formation of the executive. Sinn Féin is widely expected to remain in power when Northern Ireland holds its next election next year. The Cardiff summit will also include Sinn Féin president and Irish opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald. The leaders are expected to discuss greater cooperation and a renewed push for constitutional autonomy at the meeting. Trump’s Irish reunification remarks add to debate The summit also comes amid renewed discussion over Northern Ireland’s constitutional future after US President Donald Trump commented on Irish reunification. During a visit to Dublin on Saturday, Trump said he would “love” to see a united Ireland. He described Northern Ireland joining the Republic of Ireland as “a great thing” and asked, “How can it be bad?” The comments have added another dimension to the political debate, as nationalist parties in the UK’s devolved nations push for greater control over their constitutional futures. Burnham has made the devolution of power in England a central part of his political agenda. Swinney has meanwhile accused the UK prime minister of facing the prospect of becoming “the final prime minister of the United Kingdom”. The Cardiff meeting is expected to further intensify the debate over the future of the United Kingdom and the powers of its constituent nations.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaders are set to meet in Cardiff to push for independence referendums and greater control over their constitutional futures.

UK breakup on the cards? Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland push for independence

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‘Westminster’s time is coming to an end,’ say Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish leaders at Cardiff summit

UK breakup on cards? Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland push for independence