Nicola Sturgeon has predicted Scottish independence and a united Ireland as part of a “wider shake-up” of the UK.

Nicola Sturgeon has predicted a ‘wider shake-up’ of the UK (Image: Getty)

The former Scottish first minister was speaking to the BBC to mark the 10th anniversary of the Scottish independence referendum.

She said: “I believe that, perhaps as part of a wider shake-up of UK governance, the reunification of Ireland, perhaps, more autonomy in Wales, that I think we will see Scotland become an independent country.

“I’ll certainly campaign and advocate for that for as long as I’ve got breath in my body.”

Ms Sturgeon, who has remained an MSP since quitting as SNP leader, refused to say whether she believed Irish reunification would come before Scottish independence but added: “I do think that will happen.

“I think we will see over the next number of years, I’m not going to sit here and put a figure on that, what I would describe as a very healthy realignment of how the nations of the British Isles are governed and co-operate together.”

When she was still in office in 2021, Ms Sturgeon said she believed Brexit made a united Ireland “more likely than it was before” but stopped short of predicting that it would happen.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney backed Ms Sturgeon’s predictions about an independent Scotland and a united Ireland.

He said: “Do I think they’ll both happen? Yes, I do. So I agree with that point very much.

“I think the tide and the pattern of those debates is moving decisively and emphatically in that direction.”

But Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy said: “Nicola Sturgeon simply cannot help herself. Not only is she still pushing Scottish independence at every turn, she has now decided to weigh in on the divisive issue of a border poll in Ireland too.

“Rather than constantly talking about the break-up of the United Kingdom, the former SNP leader should be focused on the real priorities of the people in Glasgow Southside.

“She should stop being a part-time MSP and stand up for what really matters to her constituents, like record NHS waiting times, good local jobs and keeping communities safe from crime.”

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Train drivers accept bumper pay offer as Keir Starmer caves to union

Train drivers have voted overwhelmingly to accept a multi-year pay offer in the latest climbdown to the unions by Sir Keir Starmer.

The deal brings an end to the two-year dispute by train drivers (Image: Getty)

Aslef said its members voted by 96% in favour of a deal worth 15% over three years, with a turnout of 84%.

The offer was made by the new Labour Government within weeks of the party winning the General Election, bringing a two-year standoff to an end.

Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said: “It is with great pleasure that we can announce the end of the longest train drivers’ strike in history.

“The strength and resilience and determination shown by train drivers to protect their hard-won and paid-for terms and conditions against the political piracy of an inept and destructive Tory government has prevailed.

“It was not a fight we sought, or wanted. All we sought after five years without a pay rise, working for private companies who, throughout that period, declared millions of pounds in profits and dividends to shareholders, was a dent in the cost of living.

“We are grateful that Louise Haigh, the Secretary of State for Transport, and the adults entered the room and sought an equitable way forward so that trains will perform and run in the interest of the passenger, of the taxpayer and of those who work in and are dedicated to this industry.

“Those who have been lying about this pay offer, and conflating the deal offered to train drivers with decisions on the winter fuel allowance, should be ashamed. Although it seems to be the work of those who would not accurately report anything about train drivers over the past two years.

“Now we will get back to our day job of seeking a green, well-invested, vertically integrated and safe public railway.”

Ms Haigh said: “After two years of chaos on our railways under the Conservatives, this is an important step towards fixing our railways and getting the country moving again.

“It will ensure a more reliable service by helping to protect passengers from national strikes, and crucially, it clears the way for vital reform – including modernising outdated working practices – to ensure a better-performing railway for everyone.

“We have inherited a £22billion black hole in the nation’s finances.

“Every decision taken is to stabilise the economy and protect working people.

“The cost of not settling would significantly outstrip the cost of this below-inflation deal.

“We won’t make the same mistake as the Conservatives, who deliberately prolonged disputes, resulting in the longest strike in the history of the railways – costing our economy and the taxpayer more than £1billion.

“This Labour Government will always put passengers and taxpayers first.”

But the Tories criticised the bumper pay offer to train drivers, which comes after junior doctors accepted a 22% hike earlier this week.

Shadow Transport Secretary Helen Whately said: “It is no surprise that this pay deal was voted through.

“It’s an inflation-busting pay rise with ‘no strings attached’ for reforms or improvements to services for passengers. And it will do nothing to prevent strikes in future.

“The Government has failed to take responsibility – they don’t want to do the hard work of negotiating a fair, affordable settlement. Easier just to say yes to the unions and have taxpayers pick up the bill.”

During the dispute 13,000 drivers took 18 days of strike action, as well as refusing to work non-contractual overtime at 16 companies.