LONDON – The United Kingdom faces an uncertain future after Brexit, with growing threats that both Scotland and Northern Ireland could break away.
The independence movement in Scotland and increasing uncertainty over the post-Brexit border between Northern Ireland and the Republic could combine to end centuries of political union between the nations of the UK.
Theresa May’s decision to leave the single market and customs union has led to increased political tension in Northern Ireland.
In recent weeks the Irish government has called for a new border between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland after Brexit in order to prevent smuggling.
On Wednesday an Irish parliamentary committee published plans for Northern Ireland and the Republic to reunite.
The proposals, which were set out in preparation for Brexit, envision a cross-border referendum on a united Ireland taking place over the coming years.
Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has also led to renewed calls for a second Scottish independence referendum.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has pushed, so far unsuccessfully, for a new poll before Britain leaves the EU in 2019.
Polling last year found that 62% of Scottish people and 53% of all UK voters, believed the country will fracture over the next ten years, according to a Comres poll for the BBC.
Comres / BBC poll: The United Kingdom will no longer exist as either Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland will be independent:
- Net Likely: 53% Net unlikely: 45%
Het bericht The United Kingom could tear itself apart after Brexit verscheen eerst op Business Insider.