3 Nationalist First Ministers Sign Constitutional Pact, Declare Westminster's Time Is Ending
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 14
3 Nationalist First Ministers Sign Constitutional Pact, Declare Westminster's Time Is Ending
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 14
Summary
Cardiff Bay hosted an unprecedented meeting of the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish first ministers, who signed a memorandum saying no Westminster government can "block democracy" and should prepare for constitutional change.
John Swinney and Michelle O'Neill used the joint appearance to press for independence referendums, while Rhun ap Iorwerth declined to set a Welsh timetable and instead backed a longer national conversation.
The agreement says each nation will decide its future "in its own way and in its own time," reflecting different political paths even as Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin coordinate more closely.
UK ministers and unionist opponents pushed back quickly: Downing Street said the prime minister remains committed to the union, and DUP, Labour, Conservative and Reform figures accused the leaders of prioritizing separatism over public services.
The summit marks the first time since devolution began that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have first ministers who favor leaving the UK, sharpening pressure ahead of next month's meeting with the prime minister.