# Three Celtic leaders sign a pact against Westminster

> Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin meet in Cardiff to demand Westminster plan for constitutional change.
- Title: Three Celtic leaders sign a pact against Westminster
- Summary: Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin meet in Cardiff to demand Westminster plan for constitutional change. For the first time, separatist parties are in…
- Keywords: scottish independence, devolution, plaid cymru, sinn fein, uk politics, news, world, Three, Celtic, leaders, sign, pact
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/13/first-ministers-to-affirm-right-to-seek-independence-from-the-uk
- Published: 2026-09-13T16:41:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: scottish independence, devolution, plaid cymru, sinn fein, uk politics, news, world
## A summit with one message
The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will affirm their countries' right to seek independence from the UK at a Cardiff conference on Monday.
## What they are signing
Rhun ap Iorwerth, John Swinney and Michelle O'Neill are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding, joined by Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald.

> to prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
## A first in these islands
Plaid Cymru's win in May's Senedd elections means separatist parties now sit in government in all three countries at the same time.
## Burnham's blind spot
The prime minister has pushed regional devolution in England since July, but his stance on Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh is murkier. He told Swinney a second Scottish referendum stays off limits.
## Trump crashes the party
Visiting Ireland, the US president said he would love to see a united Ireland and it "may as well happen now". London and unionist ministers hit back fast.

> I love my comments.
## Cooperation, not just constitutions
A Plaid source framed Monday as a new partnership on energy, the economy and Europe, as well as self-determination. Ap Iorwerth says early talks with Burnham have been warm.

> Our parties have much to gain from working together, as partners and as equals
## The numbers behind the push
Polling puts independence support at 47% in Scotland, 36% in Northern Ireland and 32% in Wales. Scotland has held near half since 2014, and the other two are climbing.

> our interests will never be served by Westminster
## Key takeaway

For the first time, separatist parties are in government in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at once, and they are now coordinating as a bloc.