Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Push to Leave United Kingdom
Are Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland leaving the UK? Here is what their leaders are planning and what the Cardiff summit means for Britain.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are preparing to make a new push for greater self-determination, raising new questions over the future of the United Kingdom. Their leaders met in Cardiff on Monday to sign a joint declaration calling for the right to hold referendums on their constitutional futures.
Why Are They Pushing for Independence?
The meeting brings together Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, whose parties support greater constitutional autonomy or independence. The planned declaration would seek recognition of the nations’ right to determine their futures, including through independence referendums.
The move comes amid renewed debate over Scotland’s independence, Welsh self-government and the possibility of Irish reunification. Swinney has written to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham seeking a legal mechanism for another Scottish independence referendum, following comments from the Prime Minister about the circumstances in which such a vote could be considered.
Does This Mean the UK Is Breaking Up?
Not immediately. The Cardiff declaration would be a political demand for the right to hold referendums, rather than an agreement that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are leaving the United Kingdom.
The development could intensify the UK’s constitutional debate, particularly as the three devolved nations are now being led by parties supportive of independence or Irish reunification. The UK Government has said previously it is focused on practical issues and deeper devolution rather than further constitutional referendums.
