The impact of brexit on the development of separatist sentiments in Scotland and Northern Ireland

The relevance of this article is that an increasing number of countries, regardless of the type of state structure, form of government, level of economic development and degree of democratization of society have to face the problem of regional separatism. The analysis of this phenomenon on the example of the UK can help in the settlement of similar conflicts in other states. The article defines the problems and prospects of separatist tendencies in the United Kingdom against the background of Brexit. Social attitudes in Northern Ireland and Scotland are analyzed. The actions of the Government of the United Kingdom, the authorities of Northern Ireland and Scotland in an attempt to find consensus on the issue of preserving the unity of the state or following the latter on the path of secession and gaining independence from Great Britain are considered. It is concluded that the country's decision to withdraw from the European Union carries with it the risk of developing a chain reaction and strengthening separatist sentiments in other regions of Western Europe.