BORIS JOHNSON has dropped a major hint that proposed plans for a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland could get the go-ahead.
The plans would see a 28-mile bridge constructed between Larne and Portpatrick.
Quizzed on the topic in parliament during a debate on the Queen’s Speech, Mr Johnson urged his fellow ministers to "watch this space".
The remarks came in response to a question from the DUP’s Ian Paisley, MP for North Antrim, who asked:
"Will the Prime Minister make good on his commitment for a golden age of all of the United Kingdom by ensuring that makes good on the promises made for bus building in Northern Ireland and for infrastructure in Northern Ireland so we can all enjoy this golden age of infrastructure."
"And build the Boris Bridge not just the Boris Bus.”
Mr Johnson replied: "As for his desire for a bridge to connect the two biggest isles in the British Isles all I can say is it is a very interesting idea.
"And I advise him to watch this space, and indeed … watch that space between those islands because what he has said it has not fallen on deaf ears."
DUP MP Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) later responded: “He said watch this space – we’ll be watching this space.
"We expect the space between Scotland and Northern Ireland to be filled – at some stage in the future – with a physical link."
SDLP leader and newly-elected Foyle MP Colum Eastwood appeared to criticise the UK Prime Minister’s remarks.
He said: "They want to build a bridge. Build a bridge from Scotland to Northern Ireland.
"Well, it would be much better suited to building a decent road from Belfast to Derry."