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

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown believes that a united Ireland is an inevitable outcome in the long term. However, he stressed that this unification must be a gradual process, built upon mutual agreement among the people involved.

“

Scotland's got to find a way of living in cooperation with other countries and independence would not be the right way forward.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Brown drew a parallel between Northern Ireland and Scotland, suggesting both face unique positions within the UK. He commented on the pressure for Scottish independence, stating that while Scotland is deeply linked to the rest of the United Kingdom geographically, economically, socially, and culturally, independence might not be the right path forward.

“

We’re geographically, economically, socially, culturally linked to the rest of the United Kingdom, whether it’s Wales, England or parts of Ireland.

When asked if the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland made unification logical, Brown responded affirmatively. "Well, of course, in the long-term, Ireland will be united," he said. He reiterated that "people have got to come together and find a way of agreeing," highlighting agreement as the central issue.

“

Yes. Well, of course, in the long-term, Ireland will be united.

Brown's remarks come shortly after current British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that a poll on Irish unity is "off the table" during a visit to Belfast. This statement sparked a political controversy, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticizing Burnham for attempting to remove the possibility of a unity referendum from the Good Friday Agreement.

“

People have got to come together and find a way of agreeing.