UK breakup push escalates amid historic pact after Trump backs reunification of Ireland

Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish leaders issue joint declaration calling for constitutional change

Cardiff, Wales – In a historic meeting on Monday, the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland signed a joint declaration that urges the United Kingdom government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate” constitutional change that could lead to the breakup of the UK. The declaration, signed at a summit in Cardiff, was accompanied by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that frames the three nations’ commitment to cooperation on economic policy, renewable energy and rebuilding ties with the European Union.

The leaders met to strengthen cooperation among their jurisdictions and advance what they described as “constitutional change.” The declaration states that “no Westminster government has the right to block democratic decisions made by Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.” It also affirms that each nation has the right to determine its own future “through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people.”

John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP) First Minister, said the meeting “reaffirms the commitment of the three nations to independence from the United Kingdom.” Welsh Plaid Cymru First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth noted that the “common cause here is the understanding that Westminster does not and will never serve our people well.” Northern Ireland’s Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill added that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end” and that “the tide of nationalism” would “not be able to be held back” by any British prime minister.

The MOU also calls for the parties to cooperate on a range of policy areas, including economic development, renewable energy and the restoration of ties with the European Union. It frames the three jurisdictions as “equals” in a future constitutional arrangement, and it commits them to a shared vision of greater self‑determination.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s spokesperson said the prime minister is “committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the Union.” “The United Kingdom is at its best when people come together around our shared values and problem‑solving, rather than division, and the Prime Minister will continue to ease pressures on household finances and delivering greater economic security, rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums,” the spokesperson said.

The declaration came days after former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would “love to see” Irish reunification. Trump made the remarks during a visit to Dublin over the weekend and repeated his support for a united Ireland on Sunday. “It’s going to happen eventually. It might as well happen now,” Trump said on Saturday. “It just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland, and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together,” Trump said in Doonbeg, Ireland.

In other related political news, former UK Parliament member Nigel Farage has resigned from the House of Commons. Meanwhile, Labour leader Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down as prime minister, though he has not yet announced a timetable for departure.

The joint declaration has been described by observers as an unprecedented challenge to the British government. “Burnham was told Monday that he could not stop the breakup of the U.K.,” a source close to the British cabinet said. The declaration’s language – that the Westminster government “does not and will never serve our people well” – has been interpreted by many as a direct critique of the central government’s policy approach.

The leaders’ call for constitutional change follows a long history of independence movements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The SNP has won a majority in the Scottish Parliament, Plaid Cymru has governed in coalition with the Labour Party in the Welsh Assembly, and Sinn Féin is the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

As the UK continues to navigate post‑Brexit realities and internal political tensions, the joint declaration signals a growing push for devolved powers and potential reconfiguration of the United Kingdom’s constitutional structure.

The British government has not yet issued a formal response to the declaration, and no timeline has been set for any possible referendums or negotiations. For now, the three first ministers stand united in their call for change, while the United Kingdom’s future remains uncertain.