Trump signals support for Irish unification
During a meeting in Dublin, President Donald Trump voiced support for Irish unification, days after U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out possible referendums in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
On Monday, the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland called on the British government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate” constitutional changes that could ultimately lead to the breakup of the U.K. The appeal followed Trump’s remarks in favor of 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 released in Cardiff.
The three nationalist leaders met to strengthen cooperation among their nations and advance what they described as “constitutional change.”
Leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland argue that Westminster is not working and say they support self-determination. (Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Signed during the Cardiff summit, the declaration represents an unprecedented challenge to Burnham and the U.K.’s constitutional settlement.
Trump discussed Northern Ireland’s status 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 again endorsed a united Ireland, arguing that the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland should be merged.
“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.
President 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)
Asked about Scotland, Trump said: “That one I won’t talk about yet. I’ll save that for another day.”
By Monday, the nationalist leaders had released a memorandum of understanding to advance constitutional change.
They said no government in Westminster has the right to block democratic decisions made in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
“Each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people,” the three leaders wrote.
“For the first time ever, people across these islands have First Ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom. For people watching across these islands — for people watching around the world — there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end,” the statement continued.
Andy Burnham delivers his inaugural speech as U.K.’s new Prime Minister on July 20, 2026, in London. The Member of Parliament for Makerfield becomes the U.K.’s 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer, who resigned as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister in June. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
The memorandum calls on the British government to “prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction.”
According to GB News, Burnham was told Monday that he could not prevent the breakup of the U.K.
Sinn Féin, the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly, issued the warning after signing the memorandum with the SNP and Plaid Cymru.
O’Neill said the three nations shared a “common cause” because “Westminster does not and will never serve our people well.”
She added during a news conference that Burnham would not be able to “hold back the tide” of nationalism.
“We’re certainly living in times of enormous change, change that is unstoppable, change that, no matter what is said by any British prime minister, will not be able to hold back the tide of what’s happening in front of our eyes right now,” O’Neill said.
“Our common cause here is the understanding that Westminster does not and will never serve our people well,” she added.
President Donald Trump speaks with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)
The memorandum commits the parties to cooperate on economic policy, renewable energy and rebuilding ties with the European Union, among other areas.
It also calls for greater self-determination and says the nations should work together as equals.
A spokesperson for Burnham said: “The Prime Minister is committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the Union.
“The United Kingdom is at its best when people come together around our shared values and problem-solving, rather than division, and the Prime Minister will continue to ease pressures on household finances and deliver greater economic security, rather than engage in constitutional debates or further referendums.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to 10 Downing Street for comment.