In January 2018, I was asked by a national newspaper if I thought it viable to build a bridge or tunnel to link the British mainland to Ireland. Intrigued by the question, I undertook much research and confirmed that yes, either could be done.

Whether such an investment should be done is another question. My initial response focused primarily on the architecture and engineering possibility and left the economics and the politics to others. Today, I contend that a link from the mainland to Northern Ireland is a post Brexit imperative and has even greater potential to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to unity and to all parts of our country.

The case for a physical connection between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK is not only one of infrastructure. Such a link would consolidate economic, social, and cultural ties and offer irrefutable evidence of the government’s commitment to the people of Northern Ireland in a post Brexit world.

The United Kingdom has the engineering and architectural talent and the capability to build this project. It would be transformative and a world first.

Governments across the British Isles need to ensure that Sir Peter Hendy has sufficient support to complete his scoping study.

Research should be carried out to establish the economic and social benefits of a crossing and assess the geological and engineering challenges it would pose.