First Ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to Meet in Cardiff
The first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will gather in Cardiff on Monday to discuss strengthening collaboration, including on constitutional matters. This meeting marks the first face-to-face encounter since Rhun ap Iorwerth, the new Plaid Cymru leader, took office in May.
He will host John Swinney of the SNP and Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Féin, with Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Féin president, also in attendance. The meeting aims to explore areas of shared interest and potential future collaborations.
This historic gathering comes as all three nations have first ministers advocating for leaving the United Kingdom. A Plaid Cymru spokesperson highlighted the opportunity for practical cooperation on issues like energy, economics, and Europe, as well as on self-determination.
John Swinney expressed belief in a growing momentum for constitutional change, stating, "Every nation across these islands is standing at a moment of incredible constitutional opportunity… [t]here is a growing consensus that the Westminster system simply is not fit for purpose."
The meetings occur against the backdrop of recent debates on Scottish independence and potential referendums. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Andy Burnham suggested a second Scottish referendum could be considered if there was strong public support, mirroring conditions for a border poll in Northern Ireland.
However, Burnham later clarified that another Scottish referendum remains "off limits." The last Scottish independence referendum in 2014 resulted in a 55% vote to remain part of the UK.
Ap Iorwerth, the first non-Labour first minister in Wales, has ruled out advocating for a Welsh independence referendum during his term.
