A LABOUR peer has branded Brexit a "shortcut to a united Ireland, thanks to the DUP".
Lord Adonis also said leaving the European Union was a "big boost to those who want to end the UK in Scotland and Northern Ireland".
The Remain-backing peer made the remarks on Twitter after new polling suggested a majority in the north would vote for a united Ireland and Scots could vote for independence if Brexit goes ahead.
A total of 52 per cent surveyed in Northern Ireland said they would vote for a united Ireland after the UK leaves the EU, with 39 per cent favouring the north staying part of the UK, while seven per cent did not know and the remainder said they would not vote.
The survey – carried out by Deltapoll for Pro-European campaigners Best for Britain – also indicated there could be a majority for independence in Scotland following Brexit.
When asked how they would vote if a referendum on Scotland's future was held after Brexit, 47 per cent said they would support independence, with 43 per cent saying they would opt to stay part of the UK.
But if the UK stayed part of the EU, those percentages were reversed.
Sharing news coverage of the poll, Lord Adonis tweeted: "Brexit latest – shortcut to united Ireland, thanks to the DUP."
The DUP's 10 MPs are helping to keep British prime minister Theresa May in power through a confidence-and-supply deal at Westminster.
