Prospect of three nationalist FMs shows UK has ‘fundamentally’ changed – Swinney

SNP leader John Swinney has stated that the possibility of nationalist first ministers governing Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland marks a 'fundamentally changed' UK, demanding Westminster acknowledge the new political reality. Following Scotland’s Holyrood election, where the SNP retained its position as the largest party, Swinney welcomed Plaid Cymru’s victory in Wales, positioning Rhun ap Iorwerth to become Wales’ First Minister, potentially leading a minority government. In Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill remains co-first minister alongside the DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly, a historic role she assumed in 2024. Swinney dismissed the idea of the three nationalist leaders uniting to push for constitutional change in the UK, instead emphasizing their individual 'constitutional journeys.' However, he stressed the need for greater collaboration between the devolved governments to reshape the relationship with Westminster. 'After Thursday’s elections, there are now set to be first ministers in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, all committed to fundamental constitutional change,' Swinney stated. He warned that if Westminster had not yet grasped the significance of this shift, it would soon, as the 'direction of travel is clear.' Speaking in Edinburgh on Saturday, Swinney highlighted that all three devolved governments had shown interest in working together. O’Neill had previously expressed enthusiasm for collaboration, and Swinney confirmed recent contact with her on the matter. He urged Whitehall to recognize that the UK’s political landscape had fundamentally altered, with nationalist administrations now in place across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 'The bit that’s got to catch up with this is Whitehall,' he said, adding that the devolved governments would push for this understanding to take hold. Swinney rejected prescribing constitutional paths for others, instead focusing on ensuring Westminster understood the UK was no longer operating under 'business as usual.' He described regions like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—previously dismissed by London as the 'Celtic fringe'—as now poised to take center stage in UK politics. The SNP leader’s remarks underscore a growing demand for constitutional reform and greater autonomy for the devolved nations.