UK breakup push escalates amid historic pact after Trump backs reunification of Ireland

The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland called Monday for the British government to "prepare for, plan and facilitate" constitutional change that could lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom, with the remarks coming days after President Donald Trump said he would "love to see" Irish reunification."Westminster’s time is coming to an end," Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said in a historic joint declaration issued in Cardiff.The nationalist party leaders had met Monday to strengthen cooperation among Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and advance what they described as "constitutional change."KEIR STARMER REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING STEPPING DOWN AS PM AND COULD ANNOUNCE TIMETABLE FOR DEPARTUREScottish, Welsh, Northern Irish leaders say that Westminster is not working and are back self-determination.(Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images)The declaration, signed during the summit in Cardiff, signals an unprecedented challenge to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the U.K.’s constitutional settlement.Trump spoke about the status of Northern Ireland over the weekend, saying Saturday during a visit to Dublin: "It’s going to happen eventually.

It might as well happen now."On Sunday, Trump repeated his support for a united Ireland, saying it made sense to merge the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland."It just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland, and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together," Trump said in Doonbeg.NIGEL FARAGE RESIGNING FROM UK PARLIAMENTPresident Donald Trump reacts on the first tee during the final day of the Irish Open on Sept.13, 2026, in Doonbeg, Ireland.

(Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)"You asked about Scotland.That one I won't talk about yet.

I'll save that for another day," he added.By Monday, the nationalist leaders had released a memorandum of understanding (MOU) t...