Wales and Scotland sign Cardiff cooperation agreement

Wales and Scotland have signed an agreement to work together on policy and constitutional issues, without changing either government’s legal powers.

First Ministers Rhun ap Iorwerth and John Swinney signed Cytundeb Caerdydd, the Cardiff Agreement, on 14 September 2026. It is an agreement between the Welsh and Scottish Governments.

The document is not legally binding. Each government keeps its existing powers and responsibilities, and remains free to choose different policies to reflect its own circumstances and democratic mandate.

The priorities include tackling child poverty and living costs, economic growth, climate change and funding arrangements. Language, culture, media and sport are also covered, alongside international engagement, including with the EU.

The governments plan to share evidence on constitutional reform and work together on how they handle requests for devolved consent to UK legislation. The agreement also covers strengthening the role of devolved governments within the way the UK is governed.

Work under the agreement will remain subject to scrutiny in the Senedd and Scottish Parliament.

The First Ministers will meet at least annually to review progress and agree future priorities. They can change the scope of their cooperation by mutual agreement. The document sets no quantified new funding allocation or deadline for delivering a named policy benefit.