<p>The governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have signed a memorandum regarding their independence aspirations, characterized by strong language but lacking specific commitments for withdrawal from the United Kingdom.</p>
<p>Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, Northern Irish First Minister Michelle O’Neill, and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald signed the joint memorandum on September 14, 2026, urging the British government to prepare for a potential departure of devolved governments from the U.K.</p>
<p>The memorandum states, “For the first time ever, there are First Ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom.” It emphasizes that “there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end.”</p>
<p>Despite the strong language, the memorandum includes commitments primarily focused on collaboration in areas such as economic development and renewable energy, rather than a clear strategy for independence.</p>
<p>The leaders warned the British government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change” in each nation, but did not provide a specific path to independence, acknowledging the different constitutional positions of each nation.</p>
<p>Public support for independence varies among the nations. In Wales, a recent poll indicated that less than one-third of voters would support leaving the U.K. The Welsh First Minister's party, Plaid Cymru, has postponed plans for a referendum until after the next Senedd elections in 2030.</p>
<p>Scotland has previously held an independence referendum in 2014, which resulted in over 55% voting to remain in the U.K. A recent poll indicated that 48% of Scottish respondents would vote “yes” for independence, while 45% would vote “no.”</p>
<p>In Northern Ireland, a poll conducted in May found that 61.4% of citizens would prefer to remain in the U.K., compared to 28.3% who would favor withdrawal.</p>
<p>The Scottish and Welsh first ministers met in Cardiff to sign a document referred to as the Cardiff Agreement, which stated that both governments believe in the potential to thrive as independent nations, but only promised to advocate for greater fairness for Wales and Scotland.</p>
<p>In response, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's office reaffirmed his commitment to the Union, stating that he believes in collaboration rather than division and aims to address economic security rather than engage in constitutional debates.</p>
<p>Additionally, former President Donald Trump commented on the potential reunification of Ireland and Northern Ireland, stating it would be “fantastic” and suggesting it would eventually happen, which drew criticism from various British political figures.</p>