UK Independence Talks

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 13 Sep

   Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the Commons another vote in Scotland could be held if there was a “clear consensus” north of the border for it, but a letter sent to Mr Swinney later clarified a referendum remained “off limits”.

   6 outlets · Evening Standard
2. 14 Sep

   "For the first time ever, people across these islands have first ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom," the memorandum of understanding said.

   5 outlets · The Hindu
3. 15 Sep

   Later that afternoon, the Scottish and Welsh first ministers signed the Cardiff Agreement, setting out shared priorities like child poverty and economic growth, and which Swinney described as “an important moment in the history of devolution”.

   2 outlets · The Guardian

Coverage 20 articles

• 17 Sep John Swinney 'forced to condemn terrorism' after Sinn Fein talksJohn Swinney, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, faced criticism after appearing at an event alongside Sinn Fein without calling on them to denounce IRA terrorism. During a session at Holyrood, he was questioned about the decision and insisted that he unreservedly condemns all terrorist attacks while expressing sympathy for victims of terrorism. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticized Swinney's…Daily Mail
• 17 Sep STEPHEN DAISLEY: Findlay's voice rasped with disgust at the First Minister and his new allies: Swinn FeinRussell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, sharply criticized First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for collaborating with Sinn Fein during a press conference in Cardiff. Findlay expressed disgust over Swinney's failure to denounce IRA terrorism and questioned his sincerity regarding moving past political controversies. The article highlights the heated exchange between Findlay and Swinney at First Minister’s…Daily Mail
• 17 Sep Dublin and London ‘directly challenged’ to prepare for Irish unity referendumSinn Féin president Mary-Lou McDonald has called on the British and Irish governments to prepare for a potential referendum on Irish unity by 2030. During a meeting in Cardiff, she joined leaders from Scotland and Wales to discuss their nations' constitutional futures. Speaking at Stormont, McDonald emphasized that discussions about reunification are happening internationally and domestically and urged decisive…Evening Standard
• 15 Sep SF link-up with SNP and Plaid may set back cause of Irish unity, says TaoiseachTaoiseach Micheál Martin criticized Sinn Féin's recent alliance with the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru, suggesting it could hinder efforts towards Irish unity rather than help them. Speaking at an event in Tullamore on Tuesday, Martin argued that Northern Ireland’s unique status should be acknowledged separately from British politics. He emphasized his commitment to Irish unity through initiatives…Evening Standard
• 15 Sep GRAHAM GRANT: The recklessness of this summit will only embolden tyrants like Putin who long for the break-up of BritainGRAHAM GRANT writes that a recent summit between devolved governments in Cardiff aimed to agitate for the independence of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom. The article claims this is merely political grandstanding with no substantial backing or popular support. Grant argues that such rhetoric is reckless as it emboldens adversaries like Putin and destabilizes the UK at a critical time…Daily Mail
• 15 Sep John Swinney's separatist summit nothing more than a shameless stunt to distract from the SNP's failuresJohn Swinney, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, faced criticism for participating in a separatist summit in Cardiff with Sinn Fein and Welsh nationalists, aiming to promote independence referendums for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Opponents accused him of disrespecting the majority of Scots who oppose independence and using such summits as distractions from pressing issues like education and the economy…Daily Mail
• 15 Sep SNP and Plaid do deal with Sinn Fein to push break-up of the UK: Swinney demands new Scots independence vote within five years as he claims Burnham will be its last PMScottish and Welsh nationalist leaders met with Sinn Fein representatives for a summit in Cardiff to discuss strategies for breaking up the United Kingdom. Scottish First Minister John Swinney called for a new referendum on Scottish independence within five years, claiming that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer would be the last leader of a united Britain. The meeting drew criticism from pro-union politicians who…Daily Mail
• 15 Sep Tuesday briefing: How to understand Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland’s joint call for changeOn May 7, center-left nationalist parties in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland came into power simultaneously for the first time. This week marks a significant step as leaders from these regions met in Cardiff to sign a memorandum of understanding calling on Westminster to facilitate constitutional changes that could lead to independence referendums. While this meeting was partly ceremonial, it signals a growing…The Guardian
• 14 Sep First ministers predict imminent breakup of UK at ‘landmark’ summitLeaders of the SNP, Plaid Cymru, and Sinn Féin met in Cardiff on Monday to discuss independence referendums for their respective regions, viewing it as a "landmark" event that signals the end of Westminster's dominance. The first ministers signed a memorandum committing to facilitate constitutional change and emphasized the right of their nations to self-determination, predicting that Andy Burnham might be the last…Evening Standard
• 14 Sep Leaders of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland unite for self-determinationLeaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland signed a joint agreement in Cardiff asserting their right to self-determination from the United Kingdom. The Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru, and Sinn Fein, represented by their party leaders, want greater autonomy or independence but differ on specific approaches like timing and referendums. They also discussed shared policy areas such as renewable energy and…Al Jazeera

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