Scottish independence and a united Ireland could both become realities as a result of Brexit, new polling has suggested.

The findings reveal how Britain’s exit from the EU presents ‘a clear and present danger to the future of the United Kingdom’, Labour MEP Catherine Stihler said.

However, if Brexit were reversed or cancelled, support would swing back towards Scotland remaining a part of Britain.

Scotland could vote for independence due to opposition to Brexit in the country (Picture: PA)

And people in Northern Ireland would also back staying part of the UK if Britain remains in the EU.


The polls were conducted by Deltapoll for pro-EU campaign Best for Britain, which said the results ‘ominously threaten the union as we know it’.

Another 6,178 coronavirus cases in highest daily toll since May

When asked how they would vote on Scotland’s future after Britain leaves the EU, 47% said they would support independence, with 43% wanting to stay part of Britain.



But the figures would be reversed, with 43% supporting independence and 47% backing remaining part of Britain, if Brexit does not happen.

In Northern Ireland, 52% of voters said they would support a united Ireland outside Britain if it leaves the EU, with 39% favouring the province staying in the UK.

Labour’s Catherine Stihler said the findings reveal ‘a clear and present danger to the future of the United Kingdom’ (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)

But support for a united Ireland would shrink to just 35% if Brexit does not go ahead.

Best for Britain chief executive Eloise Todd said: ‘This is compelling evidence as to why we need to stop and think again.

Police officers injured in 'acid attack' during drugs raid

‘The public deserve a say on the final deal, with the knowledge that if Brexit happens we could shatter the union altogether.’

And Stephen Gethins MP, SNP Europe spokesman at Westminster, added: ‘As the deeply damaging consequences of a ‘no deal’ Brexit become clearer, as Scotland’s economy continues to outperform the UK and as people grow increasingly concerned about the future under Westminster rule, support for Scotland’s ability to take its own decisions in an independent country will only grow further.’

Voters in both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain part of the EU in the 2016 referendum despite the UK as a whole voting to leave.

Got a story for Metro.co.uk? If you have a story for our news team, email us at webnews@metro.co.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.