Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Parties Unite in Push for Independence

Leaders of Scotland’s SNP, Wales’ Plaid Cymru and Northern Ireland’s Sinn Féin have declared their right to self-determination and the freedom to decide their future outside the United Kingdom.

The leaders made the declaration at a rare meeting in Cardiff, Wales, where they signed a memorandum of understanding outlining their shared position on national self-determination.

The agreement was signed by SNP leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill.

The three parties have different political positions and timelines, but all support breaking away from the United Kingdom in some form. They said Westminster should not have the power to prevent people in their respective nations from deciding their political future.

Swinney said the parties were united by the principle of self-determination, describing it as the central issue behind the agreement. The memorandum also stated that the future of the nations should be within the European Union.

The development comes shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed support for a united Ireland. O’Neill said the comments demonstrated that the debate over Irish unity remained active.

The SNP is seeking another Scottish independence referendum after Scotland voted against independence in 2014. Successive UK governments have rejected calls for an immediate second referendum.

In Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin is campaigning for a referendum on Irish reunification. Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, such a vote can be held if the British government’s Northern Ireland minister believes it is likely that a majority would support joining the Republic of Ireland.

Plaid Cymru supports Welsh independence but has indicated that it does not intend to immediately push for a referendum.

The nationalist parties have gained significant political influence in their respective regions. The SNP and Plaid Cymru are major forces in the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, while Sinn Féin has been the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly since 2022.

The regional governments have responsibilities covering areas including health, education, housing, transport and the environment, while some also have taxation powers.

The agreement signals closer cooperation among the three nationalist movements, although their approaches to independence and the timing of potential referendums remain different.