Johnson's Brexit victory leaves huge uncertainty for Northern Ireland and Scotland

After a massively consequential election on 12 December, the UK is now pretty certain to leave the EU within two months. Yet huge uncertainty remains about the UK's future outside the bloc.

The lack of debate over Brexit during the election leaves Johnson with freedom to go far a hard Brexit or pivot to a closer relationship if he chooses. That choice has significant implications for the future of Northern Ireland.

A hard Brexit will mean a customs border with Great Britain, pushing the North towards a deeper All-Ireland economic relationship. A closer relationship will ameliorate those requirements.