Devolved Leaders Gather in Cardiff to Sign Independence Memorandum
Leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff to sign a memorandum urging the UK government to hold independence referendums.
In Cardiff, the heads of the three devolved administrations gathered to endorse a memorandum of understanding that seeks to pressure the UK government into arranging independence referendums for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The meeting featured SNP leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald, who participated as party leaders rather than government officials.
The document calls for the UK to “prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change” across the three nations. Participants also discussed joint initiatives on the economy, energy policy and international cooperation. Live coverage is available via rolling news channels such as one outlet and one outlet, as well as online platforms. The event signals a coordinated push for constitutional reform within the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
It signals a unified push by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for constitutional reform and possible independence votes.
How this story developed
- Sep 12 Pro-independence leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set to sign breakup pact in Cardiff
- Sep 13 The leaders are presenting the Cardiff gathering as a party‑leader dialogue rather than a formal inter‑governmental summit.
- Sep 13 Mary Lou McDonald attended the Cardiff signing and DUP deputy Emma Little‑Pengelly denied O’Neill’s authority to represent Northern Ireland’s first‑ministerial office.
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