THERESA May’s de facto deputy has admitted the UK is in danger of breaking up.
In particular, David Lidington warned a no-deal Brexit would provide opportunities for those in favour of breaking up the Union.
Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme, the Cabinet Office minister insisted that while a hard EU withdrawal could lead to a rise in tensions, they could be eased if a deal is secured.
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Lidington blocks release of key poll
He said: "I think the union of the United Kingdom is under pressure at the moment.
"The fact that in the 2016 Europe referendum two nations of the UK voted to leave, two nations voted to remain, inevitably makes this a very difficult, delicate process.
"I think that with good will and a good deal, those tensions can be handled, but I think that the risk of no-deal is two-fold.
"I believe a no-deal outcome would do very serious harm to jobs, living standards and investment in the United Kingdom, and that is the consistent message I've been getting from businesses large and small.
"But also I think the pressures on the Union would be greater because I think that damage that a no-deal exit would cause, the very divisive nature of the politics of such an outcome, would give heart and opportunities to those who, particularly in Scotland and in Northern Ireland, would like to see the United Kingdom as it currently exists brought to an end.
"Whereas I believe that the UK is a tremendously successful political and economic project that's given great benefit to everyone living in it."
Asked whether the prospect of a Boris Johnson premiership could lead to a rise in support for Scottish independence, Lidington suggested the outcome of the Brexit negotiations would prove to be more significant than who succeeds Theresa May at Number 10.
Recent polling by Panelbase for the Sunday Times found a majority of voters (51%) backed independence in the event of a no-deal Brexit, while 53% said they would back independence if Boris Johnson becomes prime minister.
Lidington said he has voted for Jeremy Hunt to become the next PM, having initially backed Matt Hancock and then Rory Stewart in the earlier stages of the leadership election.
READ MORE: Kirsty Hughes: Digging into the independence boost from Brexit
He said: "I think the strain to the Union is there. It's not so much personalities elected as prime minister, but it's what is the outcome of the EU exit negotiations.
"I think that there will be, whatever that outcome, still great advantages for Scotland and every other one of the four home nations in sticking together.
"Because if you think, for example, about the United Kingdom-wide single market – the ability for businesses in Scotland to sell and to buy from businesses right across the United Kingdom, customers everywhere in the UK, without any sort of check or tariffs, that's a really important opportunity and Scottish business sells far more to the rest of the UK than it does to the EU 27."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel