Common message from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to London: The era of central governance is ending

Leaders of the nationalist administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland signed a joint agreement on the United Kingdom's constitutional future. The leaders, arguing that the peoples' right to determine their own destiny could not be blocked, called on the Westminster government to prepare for constitutional change.

Joint Step from Three Nationalist Leaders

Leaders of Plaid Cymru in Wales, the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Scotland, and Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland reached a joint agreement on the United Kingdom's future on September 14.

The leaders, arguing that the Westminster‑centric model of governance was changing, sent a message that a new era had begun in the United Kingdom's constitutional structure.

"No Right to Block Democracy"

The agreement text emphasized that the United Kingdom government must not block the peoples of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from making decisions about their futures.

While Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill echoed a call for a referendum on independence, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has yet to set a date on the matter.

"Things Have Changed Forever"

Swinney said the joint initiative was a significant turning point for the United Kingdom. Swinney, who argued that the peoples of Scotland, Wales and Ireland have the right to determine their own futures, noted that political balances were no longer as they had been.

O'Neill said that the fact that the three nationalist leaders were serving simultaneously was an indicator of the shift in Westminster's approach, and urged that preparations be made for possible constitutional changes.

Second Referendum on the Agenda in Scotland

The joint statement came at a time when discussions on independence in Scotland were intensifying again.

In the referendum held in Scotland in September 2014, 55% of voters chose to remain in the United Kingdom, while 45% voted for independence.

In Wales, the government aims to conduct a comprehensive national debate on independence rather than hold a referendum in the short term, and to lay the groundwork for future options.

Reaction Came from London

The United Kingdom government, meanwhile, emphasized its commitment to the country's unity and announced that the Prime Minister was determined to bring change across all four nations

The Labour Party also received criticism for the nationalist parties' move. The meeting was criticized as threatening the United Kingdom's unity and as a step toward tearing the country apart.