Nicola Sturgeon makes main prediction about Scottish independence and united Ireland | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Nicola Sturgeon has predicted Scottish independence and a united Ireland as a part of a “wider shake-up” of the UK.

The former Scottish first minister was talking to the BBC to mark the tenth anniversary of the Scottish independence referendum.

She stated: “I believe that, perhaps as part of a wider shake-up of UK governance, the reunification of Ireland, perhaps, more autonomy in Wales, that I think we will see Scotland become an independent country.

“I’ll certainly campaign and advocate for that for as long as I’ve got breath in my body.”

Ms Sturgeon, who has remained an MSP since quitting as SNP chief, refused to say whether or not she believed Irish reunification would come earlier than Scottish independence however added: “I do think that will happen.

“I think we will see over the next number of years, I’m not going to sit here and put a figure on that, what I would describe as a very healthy realignment of how the nations of the British Isles are governed and co-operate together.”

When she was nonetheless in workplace in 2021, Ms Sturgeon stated she believed Brexit made a united Ireland “more likely than it was before” however stopped wanting predicting that it might occur.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney backed Ms Sturgeon’s predictions about an unbiased Scotland and a united Ireland.

He stated: “Do I think they’ll both happen? Yes, I do. So I agree with that point very much.

“I think the tide and the pattern of those debates is moving decisively and emphatically in that direction.”

But Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy stated: “Nicola Sturgeon simply cannot help herself. Not only is she still pushing Scottish independence at every turn, she has now decided to weigh in on the divisive issue of a border poll in Ireland too.

“Rather than constantly talking about the break-up of the United Kingdom, the former SNP leader should be focused on the real priorities of the people in Glasgow Southside.

“She should stop being a part-time MSP and stand up for what really matters to her constituents, like record NHS waiting times, good local jobs and keeping communities safe from crime.”