Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland demand right to leave UK and join EU
Photo: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland want to leave the United Kingdom (Getty Images)
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have asserted their right to determine their own futures. Their nationalist leaders signed a memorandum of cooperation and declared that the future of their nations lies in the EU, according to Sky News.
The first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — John Swinney of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru and Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Féin — appeared together at a press conference in Cardiff.
This is the first time that all three parts of the United Kingdom have simultaneously been led by representatives of nationalist parties.
The politicians said that “Westminster's time is coming to an end” and that the political landscape across the British Isles is changing.
Swinney called the meeting “pivotal moment in the constitutional journey of the UK.”
According to the leaders, their political movements are gaining momentum, while constitutional changes are becoming increasingly likely.
What the nationalists want
Representatives of the three parties called for their nations’ right to self-determination to be recognized. They also want the UK government to prepare for possible constitutional changes in each jurisdiction and help facilitate them.
At the same time, the political forces have different views on what the future of their territories should look like.
The Scottish National Party supports Scottish independence. Plaid Cymru seeks Welsh independence. Sinn Féin supports the reunification of Northern Ireland with the rest of Ireland.
Despite these differences, the leaders said they share a determination to ensure that the voices of their nations are heard.
Cooperation agreement
The first ministers signed a “memorandum of understanding.” The document provides for cooperation to build a “stronger and fairer economy,” develop their own energy resources and jointly promote the interests of their nations.
The memorandum also specifically states that the future of these nations “lies in the European Union.”
Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, also joined the meeting. She called the signing of the agreement a “historic event.”
“It is that moment where we assert collectively our inalienable right to decide our futures,” McDonald said.
At the same time, the participants emphasized that each nation will determine its own path independently and in its own time.
Thus, although Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different constitutional goals, their nationalist leaders have agreed to coordinate their actions and jointly advocate for their nations’ right to determine their future.
Earlier in April 2026, a poll showed that 53% of Britons support the country rejoining the EU. Among Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green voters, support exceeded 80%.
