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The leaders of the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein signed a memorandum of understanding in Cardiff on 14 September 2026 asserting their nations' right to self-determination.
The signatories were John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Michelle O'Neill and Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, signing as party leaders rather than in their official government capacities.
The document says 'Westminster's time is coming to an end' and asks the UK government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change.
It commits the three nations to cooperation on the economy, energy and international relations, and states that their future 'belongs in the European Union'.
It is the first time since devolution began in 1999 that pro-independence parties lead the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at the same time.
Created the Scottish Parliament and set out reserved matters; the Union and the constitution are reserved to Westminster.
Created the Welsh devolved legislature, later renamed Senedd Cymru, and set out its powers.
Gave legal effect to the Good Friday Agreement, created the power-sharing Assembly and Executive, and provides for a border poll on Irish unity to be called by the Secretary of State.
The device used to transfer temporary legal power to Holyrood for the 2014 independence referendum; a fresh one needs Westminster's consent.
Held that the Scottish Parliament cannot legislate for an independence referendum without the UK Parliament's consent, because the Union is a reserved matter.
Devolved legislature for Scotland, first elected 1999; its government is led by a First Minister
Devolved legislature for Wales, first elected 1999 and renamed Senedd Cymru in 2020; 96 seats after the 2026 election
Power-sharing legislature created under the Good Friday Agreement, with a First Minister and deputy First Minister of equal status
GS Paper II > International Relations > Comparative polity, federalism and self-determination
General Awareness > Current Affairs > International political developments
The transfer of specified legislative powers from a central parliament to subordinate regional legislatures, which the centre can in principle alter - unlike a federation.
Subjects such as defence, foreign affairs and the constitution that stay with the UK Parliament and are outside devolved competence.
An order under the Scotland Act, 1998 temporarily transferring power to Holyrood, used to make the 2014 independence referendum lawful.