Devolved Nations' Leaders Call for Independence and EU Re-entry

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have collectively called for independence from the United Kingdom and expressed a shared goal of rejoining the European Union through a memorandum of understanding. This unprecedented united stance challenges Westminster’s authority and signals a coordinated push for constitutional change, urging the UK government to prepare for independence referenda.

The first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have jointly called for independence from the United Kingdom and expressed a shared desire to rejoin the European Union. In a memorandum of understanding signed in Cardiff on Monday, John Swinney of the Scottish National Party, Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru, and Sinn Fein’s deputy leader Michelle O’Neill outlined their collective commitment to constitutional change.

The memorandum, which was also endorsed by Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, represents an unprecedented unified stance among the devolved governments. The leaders emphasized that this coordinated effort signals an end to Westminster’s control, asserting that the future of their nations lies within the European Union.

This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussions around the constitutional future of the UK’s devolved nations. The signatories urged the UK government to initiate formal preparations for independence referenda and to engage seriously with the prospect of altering the political structure of the union.

The call for independence from the three devolved administrations comes amid continued debates over sovereignty, governance, and the impact of Brexit on the regions. While previous efforts have focused on distinct national approaches, this collective memorandum highlights a new level of cooperation among Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Details regarding timelines or specific plans for independence were not outlined in the memorandum, but the leaders stressed the symbolic importance of their coordinated commitment. They framed their shared aspiration as a step toward restoring the nations’ relationships with the European Union, from which the UK formally withdrew in 2020.

The UK government has not yet publicly responded to the memorandum. Analysts note that pursuing independence and EU re-entry would involve complex negotiations, including questions related to economic arrangements, citizenship, and cross-border cooperation.

As the UK prepares for upcoming elections and addresses ongoing challenges related to regional governance, the united position of the devolved first ministers adds a new dimension to discussions about the future of the union and its constituent nations.

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