First ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to meet in Cardiff
The first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are meeting in Cardiff to discuss closer cooperation and constitutional issues. All three leaders represent parties that advocate for independence from the United Kingdom.
Why it matters
This meeting represents a historic alignment of nationalist leadership across the UK, potentially increasing pressure on the Westminster government regarding devolution and future referendums.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Michelle O'Neill, and John Swinney will discuss how they can work "more closely"
Wales political correspondent Published 13 September 2026 Updated 3 hours ago The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will meet in Cardiff on Monday to discuss "working more closely" including on constitutional issues.
It will be the first face-to-face meeting among the nationalist leaders since Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth was elected in May, with all three wanting their countries to leave the United Kingdom.
But there are differences in what they are calling for in the immediate term; with Scotland's John Swinney and Northern Ireland's Michelle O'Neill openly talking about wanting referendums, while in Wales ap Iorwerth has ruled out pushing for one now.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald will also attend.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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