The Oxford Union has voted down a motion that Ireland is ready for reunification, after hearing from high profile politicians from both sides of the border. (Pacemaker)

The Oxford Union has voted down a motion that Ireland is ready for reunification, after hearing cases made by high-profile politicians from both sides of the border.

In a debate on Thursday evening, the university's students heard arguments in favour from SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, leader of Fianna Fail Micheal Martin, and former Tanaiste Joan Burton.

Making the case against were former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt, former Justice Minister Claire Sugden, and Irish High Court judge Richard Humphreys.

The motion fails: This house does not believe Ireland is ready for reunification. — Oxford Union (@OxfordUnion) November 22, 2018

The brief for the debate posted on the Oxford Union website reads: "Twenty years on from the Good Friday Agreement, government in Northern Ireland is at a standstill.

"Partisan politics have strengthened, not soothed, sectarian divisions, and a settlement becomes less likely by the day. In this context, the United Kingdom's impending departure from the EU has triggered a renewed focus on that question which has shaped an island's history - has the time come for a united Ireland?

"The Oxford Union is proud to host this historic debate between leaders North and South of the border."

The Oxford Union quoted Colum Eastwood as saying: "The comfort blanket of the European Union has been whipped off of us, it has shaken our confidence for the first time just as much as the Good Friday agreement did."

On social media after the debate Mr Eastwood wrote: "Really enjoyed debating Irish unity at the @OxfordUnion last night. Great to meet so many Irish students there too."

The Oxford Union hosts a range of high-profile speakers, having heard from Russell Brand, pornographic actor Stormy Daniels who is alleged to have had an affair with US President Donald Trump, and boxer Manny Pacquiao.

The debating body has drawn controversy in recent times for some of the speakers it has invited, including former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon.

Belfast Telegraph