Brown says united Ireland inevitable 'in the long-term'

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stated that it is inevitable Ireland will become united in the long-term. He emphasized that this process would be lengthy and require mutual agreement. In an interview with The Guardian, Mr. Brown noted that Northern Ireland is in a unique position compared to the rest of the UK, providing Scotland as an example.

Regarding Scottish independence, Brown stated that Scotland must find a way to live in cooperation with other countries, implying that independence may not be the right path. Brown emphasized their geographical, economic, social, and cultural link with the rest of the United Kingdom, whether it be Wales, England, or parts of Ireland.

When asked if the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic made unifying the two sensible, Brown affirmed, "Yes." He reiterated that ultimately, "in the long-term, Ireland will be united." Brown stressed that people must come together and find a way to agree on this matter. Brown was the Chancellor of Tony Blair when the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998.

His remarks come after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham mentioned a poll on Irish unity is off the table during a visit to Belfast earlier this week. This caused a political controversy with Burnham's comments during his first visit to Northern Ireland since assuming office. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant defended Burnham's remarks, stating that he did not make a mistake and they both fully support the Good Friday Agreement.

The comments sparked an angry reaction from nationalist politicians, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald asserting no prime minister has the right to unilaterally remove the provision for a unity referendum from the Good Friday Agreement.