Devolved leaders to sign joint declaration on independence in Cardiff

The leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are set to meet in Cardiff on Monday to sign a joint declaration on self-determination, marking the first such summit with all three devolved nations led by pro-independence parties. Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill will gather in their capacities as party leaders to sign a memorandum of understanding and jointly demand referendums on the future of the United Kingdom. The summit represents a significant escalation in coordinated pressure on Westminster, as pro-independence parties now hold power across all three devolved administrations for the first time. Plaid Cymru became the largest party in the Welsh Senedd in May, putting ap Iorwerth into office as First Minister, while the SNP retained its position in Scotland and Sinn Féin has led Northern Ireland's government since 2024. The planned memorandum will set out common positions on Europe, with the parties agreeing their nations should ultimately be inside the European Union.