Jakarta, ThedailyID — Leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will meet in Cardiff on Monday, September 14, to discuss the possibility of leaving the United Kingdom.
The three regions now have leaders who support independence. Their meeting will focus on constitutional change, international cooperation and the possibility of future referendums.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh leader Rhun ap Iowerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill will join the talks.
According to The Telegraph, the leaders could sign a joint declaration calling for the right to hold independence referendums.
The unprecedented meeting comes after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently discussed the possibility of another Scottish independence vote.
Burnham initially suggested that he could allow a referendum if a “clear consensus” supported it. He later clarified his position in a letter to Swinney.
Swinney, meanwhile, said on Sunday, September 13, that momentum for constitutional change had become difficult to ignore.
“For the first time in history, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are led by first ministers who support independence. There is no clearer sign that the status quo cannot be maintained,” Swinney said, Monday, September 14, 2026.
He also called on Westminster to prepare for a future beyond the current United Kingdom.
“Tomorrow in Cardiff, I hope to discuss a better future with partners from across these islands. That can only be achieved through a new beginning based on independence,” he said.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald will also attend the meeting. However, The Guardian reported that the participants will join the talks as political party leaders rather than government representatives.
The agenda could include discussions on Europe, international cooperation, economic issues and energy.
The meeting also follows comments from Burnham on Wednesday, September 10. He appeared to suggest that Scotland could hold another independence referendum if public support grew.
Burnham later rejected that interpretation. In his letter to Swinney, he said the 2014 Scottish independence referendum remained settled.
He also argued that no clear consensus currently supports another vote in Scotland. Burnham said the same applies to claims about Northern Ireland’s desire to leave the UK.
“Labour does not support independence or another referendum,” Burnham wrote, referring to the party’s 2024 election manifesto.
He added that independence and another referendum would distract from efforts to strengthen the economy and help families deal with the cost-of-living crisis.
The Cardiff meeting therefore adds fresh pressure to an already sensitive constitutional debate. Still, the talks themselves do not guarantee that Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will hold an independence referendum.
