US President Donald Trump has broken with the White House’s long tradition of neutrality regarding Irish unification. During a visit to the Irish Republic over the weekend, Trump said he would “love” to see Northern Ireland and the Republic united and that “that could very well happen now.”
The issue was raised ahead of a planned meeting of pro-independence leaders from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales on Monday 14 September 2026 in Cardiff. The agenda will include the possible constitutional future of their countries.
Is Andy Burnham destined to become the last Prime Minister?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham could end up becoming the last head of the United Kingdom if the independence movements represented at the Cardiff meeting achieve their goals. But this process is long and will include separate constitutional processes and, possibly, referendums.
On Wednesday 9 September 2026, Burnham said another referendum on Scottish independence could take place if there was clear public support, despite previously saying it was “forbidden”. The announcement reignited debate over independence ahead of a meeting between the leaders of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
This will be the first meeting of the leaders since Plaid Cymru’s historic victory in the Senedd elections in Wales. Plaid Cymru First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth will host Scottish National Party leader John Swinney and Sinn Féin Vice-President, as well as Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald is also expected to attend the event.
“Following the historic Senedd elections in Wales and the changing political landscape in these islands, there is a strong case for practical political cooperation in areas such as energy, the economy and our relationship with Europe, as well as on the wider political and constitutional issues facing our countries and the right to self-determination,” a Plaid spokesman said.
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Burnham explains his position
It was during Prime Minister’s Questions that Burnham told MPs that another referendum on Scottish independence would not take place unless there was clear public support. Swinney subsequently wrote to Burnham requesting a meeting to discuss the matter.
In his response, Burnham said: “In my remarks I simply emphasized that there is no consensus in Scotland on an independence referendum, nor is there clear evidence to suggest that the majority of people in Northern Ireland currently wish to separate from the United Kingdom.”
“Every nation in these islands is experiencing a moment of incredible constitutional opportunity,” Swinney said. “There is a growing understanding that the Westminster system is simply not fit for purpose and does not work for ordinary people.”
Does Trump’s statement matter?
“It just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland, and it seems to me that one of the natural phenomena of all times is to bring them together,” Trump said Sunday while attending the Irish Open at Doonbeg.
Trump’s statements have caused significant controversy, especially among party leaders. “Donald Trump is Donald Trump and the president will speak and give his opinion as he sees it,” said Angela Rayner, UK Communities Secretary.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin agreed, saying there was no need to overreact to the US president’s statement. “He sees things differently,” Martin said.
Sinn Féin officials welcomed Trump’s statements. “They reflect the wider sentiments of North America regarding Irish unity and in particular the Irish diaspora regarding Irish reunification,” former party leader Gerry Adams said.