Pro-Independence Parties Surge Across Britain
Nationalist parties kept power in Scotland and gained ground in Wales and Northern Ireland, while voters focused more on the economy and services than independence.
- On Friday, pro-independence parties secured control in three of the United Kingdom's four nations, marking a historic shift in British politics. The outcome is likely to make Britain harder to govern from Westminster.
- Widespread voter anger over a stagnant economy and cost-of-living crisis fueled support for anti-status quo parties across the region. Populist Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage performed strongly by rejecting 'establishment politics' in England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Scottish National Party leader John Swinney won decisively but fell short of the 65-seat majority needed in parliament, while Plaid Cymru is set to lead the Welsh Senedd for the first time. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill called the results a 'moment of seismic change.'
- Pro-Independence parties are forming a 'Celtic alliance' to compel Westminster to grant greater powers over spending, taxation, and welfare. Leaders vowed the British government would be forced to 'sit up and listen' to their demands.
- Future independence bids face legal hurdles, as British prime ministers insist the 2014 referendum—where 55% rejected leaving—stands for a generation. Swinney instead pledged to 'deliver practical support on the cost of living' and improve the National Health Service.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Laborists-conservatives, finite axis. The weight of separatists in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Live with all the results and reaction as pro‑independence majority reshapes Holyrood
Live as Scotland and the world reacts to a pro‑independence majority at Holyrood, with full results, analysis of what it means for the next Scottish Government and the renewed debate over independence
Plaid and SNP wins leave UK under threat as pro-independence parties hatch plot to break up Union
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has admitted she intends to work with her expected counterparts in Scotland and Wales to break up the United Kingdom. The Scottish National Party secured yet another landslide win in Scotland, while Plaid Cymru is on the cusp of gaining power in Wales for the first time.Throwing her support behind John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth, Ms O'Neill said that it was “the first time ever there could be …
Meanwhile, in both Scotland and Wales, independence supporters will have the most representatives in parliament.
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