The United Kingdom will “split apart” because of the pressures of Brexit, Spain’s foreign minister has warned.

In an interview on Tuesday Josep Borrell said he believed there was an underlying “weakness” to the union underpinning the United Kingdom.

Contrasting British separatist movements in Scotland and Ireland with Spain’s own in Catalonia, Mr Borrell told the Politico news website:

“I am very much more worried about the unity of the United Kingdom than the unity of the Kingdom of Spain. I think the UK will split apart sooner than the kingdom of Spain.”

Asked to elaborate, the social democrat politician added: “It is a clear sign of UK weakness.”

Brexit has raised both hopes and fears of a united Ireland and independent Scotland.

In Ireland, the border issue that has dominated negotiations for months has raised questions about the viability of the Good Friday Agreement and the status of Northern Ireland. Various Conservatives had claimed EU customs proposals amount to an "annexation" of Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile in Scotland, nationalists have sought to draw a dividing line with the rest of the UK by emphasising Scotland’s vote to remain in the EU compared to the rest of the UK.

In the same interview Mr Borrell also hinted that Spain would have no problem with an independent Scotland, and would not seek to block it from joining the EU, as long as it left the UK through legal means.

Which countries supported Scottish independence? Show all 10 1 /10 Which countries supported Scottish independence? Which countries supported Scottish independence? USA - No Earlier this summer President Barack Obama called on Britain to remain "a strong, robust, united and effective partner" Reuters Which countries supported Scottish independence? Texas - Yes With the largest secessionist movement in the US, some Texan political groups are backing Scotland to choose independence. Getty Images Which countries supported Scottish independence? China – No China’s Premier Li Keqiang has voiced support for a "strong, prosperous and united United kingdom." The state press has said a Yes vote would leave the UK a "second-rate” country" Getty Which countries supported Scottish independence? Russia – Yes Putin has stayed neutral on the matter, but some of his Parliament is vocally advocating for Scottish independence. Russian MP Konstantin Rykov now calls himself McRykov on Twitter, and has tweeted: "Scotland will be free" Twitter Which countries supported Scottish independence? India – No Although she later backtracked, India’s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said: "Break-up of the United Kingdom? I don’t think there is any possibility of that. God forbid!" Youtube Which countries supported Scottish independence? North Korea – Yes The North Korean press believes independence "would be a very positive thing for Scotland." Kim Jong-un said he would look to trade with an independent Scotland. AFP/KCNA Which countries supported Scottish independence? Australia – No PM Tony Abbott said last month: "It’s hard to see how the world would be helped by an independent Scotland" Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Which countries supported Scottish independence? Kurdistan – Yes As the largest stateless nation in the world, Kurds across the Middle East are encouraged by the legitimate independence movement being enacted in the UK. AFP/Getty Which countries supported Scottish independence? Spain – No Perhaps in response the growing Catalonialism triggered by the Scottish referendum, Spain’s PM Mariano Rajoy said that an independent Scotland should only apply to join the EU from outside the organisation as a new state to deter other "solo adventures" Reuters Which countries supported Scottish independence? Catalonia – Yes The largest independence movement in Europe is cheering for a Yes vote, and hopes a referendum is something they too will be afforded. Barcelona Mayor Xavier Trias said: "Our wishes in Catalonia must be respected, just as the UK government has respected those of Scotland" AP

“If they leave Britain in accordance with their internal regulation, if Westminster agrees, we are not going to be more papist than the pope! If Westminster agrees why would we be against it,” he told the website.

But he also ruled out a legally binding independence referendum in Catalonia, suggesting the province should instead expect a renewed devolution settlement and additional powers.

Spanish foreign minister Josep Borrell: Spain will not back Brexit deal over issue of Gibraltar

Mr Borrell also said a second referendum for the British public on whether to leave the EU would not be "very democratic" unless there was "a really big demand" – noting that the EU has a "record" in Ireland and the Netherlands of asking people to vote again in key issues "until you say what you should say".

He appeared to take a different stance to his prime minister Pedro Sanchez, who last month suggested a second vote would be a good idea.