BORIS Johnson is set to confirm funding for a study into the possibility of a bridge between Scotland and Norther Ireland.
The PM is expected to use his visit to Scotland tomorrow to talk up his plans for a bridge connecting the UK as part of his “build, build, build” promise.
Mr Johnson used the first in-person meeting of his Cabinet yesterday to tell ministers to “be more visible” in Scotland and engage more with Scottish media as he tries to mend tensions.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has taken Scotland a different route out of lockdown and criticised the Government’s methods as it tried to ease measures in England.
In a bid to bring the UK closer together, the confirmation of a study into a bridge would look at a crossing between Portpatrick in Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland, according to the Daily Record.
It is estimated to cost £20billion to build.
Ms Sturgeon has previously dismissed the idea of a bridge as a “vanity project”.
The PM is pushing on with his “build, build, build” programme in spite of the massive cost of coronavirus to Treasury’s coffers.
He is keen to sign off on a series of bold projects during his time in office.
And a bridge across the 28mile gap between Scotland Northern Ireland has been a plan of his for some time.
Just after he became Tory leader the PM was reported to have asked Government officials to look into the costs and risks.
As Foreign Secretary, Mr Johnson said a bridge would shore up the union.
He insisted at the time it was a serious idea, telling the Sunday Times: “What we need to do is build a bridge between our islands.
“Why don’t we?”
The bridge, made of steel and concrete, would consist of two levels – one for cars and one for a railway.
Critics have blasted the plans as a waste of public cash, but the PM believes it would ease the strain on air routes and show he was committed to cementing the union too.
