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Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales sign landmark self-determination declaration

14 September 2026 16:48 (UTC +04:00)

The leaders of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales on Monday signed a landmark memorandum of understanding, urging the UK government to prepare for constitutional change, Anadaolu Agency reports.

A joint declaration signed by Rhun ap Iorwerth, first minister of Wales and leader of Plaid Cymru, John Swinney, first minister of Scotland and leader of Scottish National Party (SNP), and Michelle O'Neill, first minister of Northern Ireland and vice-president of Sinn Fein party, said the political landscape “is changing.”

"Each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people," the document noted.

The leaders said they believe the "future of our nations belongs in European Union," adding that, 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 UK.”

Saying that Brexit has damaged their economies and limited opportunities for their people, the declaration underlined that the leaders want to work together to rebuild and strengthen those European relationships, creating greater opportunities for trade, investment, culture and cooperation."

The joint declaration noted: “Our nations have the right to self-determination.”

“We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction," read the declaration.

It said no Westminster government "has the right to block democracy or undermine" the principle that the three nations will decide their own future.

"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," the leaders noted.

It added: "What unites us is a determination to ensure that the voices of our nations are heard, that our people have the opportunity to thrive, and that cooperation between Scotland, Wales and Ireland can be strengthened."

Ilgar Khudiyev

Scotland Wales Northern Ireland United Kingdom self-determination constitutional change independence European Union Rhun ap Iorwerth John Swinney Michelle O'Neill Brexit