Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Leaders Discuss Independence
Leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland met in Cardiff.
They met together for the first time since devolution began.
Devolution means some powers are managed by governments in these nations instead of only by the United Kingdom government.
The leaders discussed whether their nations should have more control over their futures.
Their topics included constitutional change, energy, the economy and Europe.
They also talked about the right of people to choose their own political future.
Scotland is facing renewed discussion about independence.
Wales is considering a slower approach through a proposed national conversation.
The first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland met together in Cardiff for the first time since devolution began.
Rhun ap Iorwerth hosted John Swinney and Michelle O’Neill, with Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also attending.
The leaders discussed constitutional change, energy, the economy, Europe and the right to self-determination.
John Swinney called the meeting an “incredible constitutional opportunity” and said the Westminster system was unfit for purpose.
The meeting comes amid renewed debate over Scottish independence, while Wales considers a more gradual path through a proposed national conversation.
- Who
- Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, and Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.
- What
- The leaders met to discuss constitutional change, independence, energy, the economy, Europe and self-determination.
- When
- For the first time since devolution began; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Cardiff, Wales.
- Why
- The meeting addressed constitutional change and followed renewed debate over Scottish independence, while Wales considers a proposed national conversation.
- Meeting location
- Cardiff, Wales
- Participants
- Rhun ap Iorwerth, John Swinney, Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald
- Historical significance
- The first meeting of the three first ministers together since devolution began
- Main topics
- Constitutional change, energy, the economy, Europe and self-determination
- Scottish position
- Renewed debate over Scottish independence
- Welsh approach
- A more gradual path involving a proposed national conversation
- Swinney’s assessment
- He described the moment as an “incredible constitutional opportunity” and called Westminster unfit for purpose