The nationalist first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are due to meet in Cardiff for talks critics have branded a "separatist summit", marking the first time all three devolved nations have been led simultaneously by pro-independence parties. The SNP's John Swinney, Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill and Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth are expected to discuss shared grievances with Westminster, including constitutional questions and demands for greater funding and devolved powers, prompting Conservative accusations that the gathering is a coordinated attempt to break up the United Kingdom.

Plaid Cymru only entered government in Wales in May, ending over two decades of Labour rule there, making this the first such alignment of nationalist leaders across the three nations. Mr ap Iorwerth said the group would explore common ground, such as cooperation on child poverty and renewable energy economics, alongside pursuing greater powers over natural resources, policing and justice, while acknowledging each nation's distinct priorities. The meeting follows a row over Labour's Andy Burnham, who was forced to clarify his PMQs remarks on Scottish independence referendum conditions after pollster Sir John Curtice suggested his comments could bolster the SNP's case; Tory shadow Scotland secretary Harriet Cross accused Mr Swinney of exploiting the episode to distract from SNP "failures".