Nationalist leaders in U.K. call for independence from the union

<p>The first ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales united on September 14, 2026, to advocate for leaving the United Kingdom, marking a significant alignment among nationalist leaders.</p><p><strong>Context:</strong> This is the first instance where all three first ministers support leaving the U.K. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated that former President Donald Trump's backing for a united Ireland has brought the issue to a global audience.</p><hr /><p><strong>Details: </strong>The leaders of the Scottish National Party, Sinn Féin, and Plaid Cymru convened in Cardiff, Wales, to sign a memorandum of understanding indicating that the political landscape is evolving. The meeting included John Swinney of the SNP, Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Féin, and Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru, who met as party leaders rather than representatives of their regional governments.</p><ul><li>Swinney and O'Neill called for referenda on independence from the U.K. during a news conference, while ap Iorwerth is advocating for similar regional powers as those in Northern Ireland and Scotland but has ruled out a referendum during the current term.</li></ul><p><strong>Statements: </strong>The memorandum 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 further noted, "Momentum is behind our movements; we believe that constitutional change is coming," and called for the British Government to prepare for constitutional changes in each jurisdiction.</p><p>O'Neill remarked to reporters that Trump's support for Irish reunification during his recent visit highlighted a growing conversation about constitutional change in Ireland, stating that the debate is occurring both domestically and internationally.</p><ul><li>She emphasized that Trump's comments indicate that Irish unification is "very much on the table."</li></ul><p><strong>Counterpoint: </strong>A spokesperson for U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham responded that Trump's remarks do not alter the position that it is too early to call for independence referenda until there is a clear shift in public opinion.</p><ul><li>The 1998 Good Friday Agreement stipulates that a referendum on Irish reunification is required if the British government believes a majority would support it.</li></ul><p><strong>Reactions: </strong>Trump's comments received criticism from British lawmakers and unionists, including Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who expressed disapproval of O'Neill's participation in the summit during an interview with the BBC.</p><ul><li>Little-Pengelly stated that O'Neill did not seek her agreement or permission to attend or sign anything as first minister, emphasizing that they jointly lead Northern Ireland's power-sharing government and that O'Neill was not there on official government business.</li></ul>