CARDIFF — The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland jointly declared Monday that Westminster's era is concluding, urging the U.K. government to prepare for constitutional change. The nationalist leaders signed an agreement asserting that no Westminster government has the right to obstruct democracy or undermine their peoples' right to self-determination.
This marks the first time since devolution began that all three nations have first ministers openly seeking to leave the United Kingdom. The meeting brought together representatives from Plaid Cymru, Sinn Féin and the Scottish National Party.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill explicitly called for referendums on independence during a joint press conference. Wales First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth declined to provide a specific timetable for a Welsh independence referendum.
The memorandum of understanding stated: "For people watching across these islands — for people watching around the world — there could be no clearer sign that Westminster's time is coming to an end." It affirmed that "our people will decide their own future."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald attended the discussions. The agreement acknowledged that the parties hold distinct constitutional positions and that each nation will determine its future "in its own way and in its own time."
Ahead of the meeting, a Plaid Cymru spokesperson said the shifting political environment across the islands presented a strong case for cooperation on energy, the economy and engagement with Europe, in addition to constitutional questions and self-determination.
Ap Iorwerth described May's Welsh election as a "turning point" for Wales, noting a "growing recognition that the Westminster model is no longer working." Plaid Cymru had previously ruled out an independence referendum before the next Senedd election in 2030.
Swinney said the moment was "significant" for the United Kingdom, telling Radio Wales Breakfast that "things had changed forever." He said: "The people of Scotland, Wales and Ireland have a right to self-determination. They are entitled to decide on their own future."
O'Neill said that "the best interests of people across the island of Ireland have never been served by those in Westminster" and that "change is happening right across these islands and we must be ready for constitutional change when it comes."
Later Monday, ap Iorwerth and Swinney were expected to sign a separate agreement outlining future collaboration between their respective governments.
