Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish leaders meet to discuss break-up of UK, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/westminster-s-time-coming-to-an-end-say-devolved-nation-leaders-after-summit/ar-AA2cbzMd?ocid=BingNewsVerp)

The news report covers a historic summit held in Cardiff on September 14, 2026, where leaders of the UK’s three devolved nations convened to sign a joint pact and demand constitutional change.Who Took PartThe meeting brought together:

• John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
• Rhun ap Iorwerth, First Minister of Wales and leader of Plaid Cymru.
• Michelle O’Neill, First Minister of Northern Ireland and vice president of Sinn Féin.
• Mary Lou McDonald, President of Sinn Féin and leader of the opposition in the Republic of Ireland.

This gathering marks the first time that pro-independence or nationalist parties concurrently head the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The leaders attended primarily in their capacities as party leaders.Key Outcomes of the Summit

• Memorandum of Understanding: The leaders signed a joint memorandum declaring that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end” and asserted that their nations possess the right to self-determination.
• Call for Constitutional Change: The declaration called on the British government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction,” arguing that Westminster does not have the right to block democratic decisions regarding the nations’ futures.
• Broader Cooperation: Beyond independence, the agreement focuses on four primary areas:
  • Economy: Challenging what they describe as Whitehall’s flawed economic model.
  • Energy: Coordinating on natural resources and renewable energy development.
  • European Union: Reaffirming shared aspirations to re-establish formal ties with the EU (independent membership for Scotland and Wales, and reunification for Northern Ireland).
  • Devolved Powers: Pushing for immediate decentralization, including Welsh control over the Crown Estate and fairer funding arrangements.

Differing Priorities Among the LeadersWhile presenting a unified stance, the leaders operate on different paths and timetables:

• Scotland (SNP): John Swinney is pushing for agreement on a second Scottish independence referendum, citing a pro-independence majority in Holyrood.
• Northern Ireland (Sinn Féin): Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald are advocating for preparation toward an Irish border poll, with Sinn Féin signaling aspirations for a vote around 2030.
• Wales (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth has avoided committing to an immediate referendum timetable for Wales, focusing instead on securing substantial additional devolved powers on par with Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Responses and Criticism

• UK Government: Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Downing Street maintained that further independence referendums remain off the table, stating that policy must focus on cost of living, economic stability, and collaborative governance rather than constitutional division.
• Northern Ireland Unionists: Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and other unionist politicians strongly objected to the summit, stating that Michelle O’Neill had no executive mandate to represent Northern Ireland on constitutional separation from the United Kingdom.