UKIP candidate for Highlands and Islands, Robert Stephenson, welcomes proposals from the British government to affirm the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by constructing a tunnel under the Irish Sea from Stranraer in Scotland to Larne in Ulster. 

A twenty mile tunnel, servicing both cars and trains, linking the islands could be given the go-ahead by the Prime Minister as early as next month. In contrast, the SNP’s Northern Ireland spokesman, Richard Thomson, mocked the idea saying ‘April 1 has come early in Downing Street’.

UKIP is contesting the forthcoming elections to the Scottish Parliament, scheduled for 6 May 2021, on a manifesto to hold a referendum to abolish the devolved government based in Holyrood. 

Robert said: “A new tunnel enhancing connectivity within the UK can only be a good thing. As well as the economic benefits it will deliver to Scotland and Northern Ireland, it will also enhance our sense of a shared community, a sense that we are one nation together and united. It comes therefore as no surprise that the SNP has slammed the proposal. A referendum will give Scots the chance to call time on the failed devolution project and stop providing a platform to the malcontents of the SNP whose raison d'être is to do the country down.”

"There were objections to the Channel tunnel when it was first proposed. It was ridiculed and derided by many but ultimately became a great success. While ambitious, the plans for a Scotland to Northern Ireland tunnel should be a cause for enthusiasm and optimism. We need vision in order for our country to thrive and prosper. Alas the SNP is the dog in the manger of the Union" said Robert.

Robert went on to say: "UKIP are absolutely committed to the Union with a strong desire to see Scotland flourish within it. A link to Northern Ireland can create an opportunity for a new and enduring settlement. Together with scrapping Holyrood, thereby denying a vehicle for the divisive SNP, British Unionism will become the default confining separatism to the fringes of Scottish politics.”