Cardiff Agreement: Political leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland expressed support for self-determination and pathways to future constitutional referendums.
It was signed in party capacities, not formally on behalf of the respective governments.
United Kingdom (UK): England + Scotland + Wales + Northern Ireland.
Great Britain: Island comprising England, Scotland and Wales.
British Isles: Geographical term covering Great Britain, Ireland and smaller islands.
Republic of Ireland: Independent country; Northern Ireland remains part of the UK.
1536: Wales incorporated into the Kingdom of England.
1707 Acts of Union: England + Scotland → Kingdom of Great Britain.
1800 Acts of Union: Ireland united with Great Britain from 1801.
1922: Most of Ireland became independent; six northern counties remained within the UK.
Present name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Scotland
2014 referendum: 55.3% voted against, 44.7% for independence.
Section 30 Order: Temporarily transferred authority to the Scottish Parliament to conduct the 2014 referendum.
2022 UK Supreme Court: Scottish Parliament cannot unilaterally legislate for an independence referendum.
A legally valid future referendum therefore requires the necessary authority from Westminster/UK Parliament.
Northern Ireland
1973 Border Poll: Whether Northern Ireland should remain in the UK or join the Republic of Ireland.
98.9% of votes cast favoured remaining in the UK; nationalists largely boycotted it.
Key constitutional question: UK membership vs united Ireland, rather than separate Northern Irish independence.
Wales
Has not held an independence referendum.
Plaid Cymru is a major political party associated with Welsh independence.
Cardiff Agreement
Supports self-determination of the constituent nations.
Calls for pathways to constitutional referendums.
Does not itself legally authorise any independence referendum.
Signed by: John Swinney — Scottish National Party (SNP); Rhun ap Iorwerth — Plaid Cymru; Michelle O’Neill — Sinn Féin
