Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish Leaders Unite for Independence

On Monday, the first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland signed a joint agreement declaring that "Westminster's time is coming to an end." This significant moment marks the first time all three devolved nations are simultaneously led by politicians advocating for independence from the United Kingdom. The meeting included John Swinney of the Scottish National Party, Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru, and Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Féin, with Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also in attendance.

The memorandum of understanding states that no Westminster government has the right to "block democracy." While Swinney and O'Neill called for independence referendums in their nations, Ap Iorwerth did not provide a timetable for a referendum in Wales, indicating a divergence in their positions. This meeting is the first of its kind since devolution began, highlighting a united front among the leaders despite differing views on the next steps.