Northern Irish barrister and DUP politician, Deputy First Minister since 2024
Northern Ireland’s political stalemate over a funded budget has driven departments to operate under emergency spending. The government has empowered the NI secretary to enter talks aimed at resolving the budget impasse and broader reforms, as pressure grows over services and cost-of-living.
Leaders of the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin have signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling on the UK government to prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change. They have committed to cooperate on energy, the economy and relations with Europe and to press for referendums where domestic politics allow; Westminster has reiterated a referendum is off limits for now.
Nationalist leaders from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland sign a memorandum of understanding signaling a push for greater autonomy and potential independence from the UK. Trump’s remarks on a united Ireland have amplified the international dimension of the debate, while UK and unionist leaders caution against immediate referendums.
The National Economic Council meets in Glasgow as UK PM pushes a regional empowerment agenda. Leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are exploring deeper devolution and joint approaches to growth and reindustrialisation, with Scotland and Wales seeking more powers to empower regions while Westminster coordinates the effort.
European 1500m champion Ciara Mageean has died at 34 after a battle with stage four bowel cancer. She had announced her diagnosis in 2025 and married weeks before her death. Tributes pour in from across Ireland and sports bodies.