First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told Ukrainian refugees living in the country that Scotland will be their home for as long as they need it to be, one-year on from the Russian invasion.
06.02.2023 - 18:21 / dailyrecord.co.uk
Critics of Holyrood’s gender recognition legislation within the SNP should not have to leave the party, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
The First Minister said disagreements over the issue were an example of "internal party democracy".
The SNP leader also confirmed she still intends to challenge the UK Government’s use of a Section 35 to block the controversial Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill from becoming law.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the education secretary, said yesterday that rebels should "question" if they want to stay in the party at the next election.
Sturgeon responded "No, I don't" when asked at a press conference in Edinburgh if people should be standing down from the SNP if they disagreed with the Scottish Government’s stance.
She insisted that for every party in the democratic world, there is a general expectation that politicians will stand on its platform.
She continued: "Equally – in probably every party that is a democracy in every democracy in the world – there are individuals who can’t accept the position on particular issues and vote accordingly.
"That is internal party democracy. It may be rare in the SNP, it is rare in the SNP but nevertheless I think we should see it in that way.”
The First Minister said her position on challenging Section 35 had not changed, saying it is important to have “clarity” on the circumstances in which it can be used.
Sturgeon was also asked about the case of double rapist Isla Bryson and whether she thought Bryson was “at it” in changing gender.
Sturgeon said: “In this case, the individual is a rapist, that’s the important description for this individual.
“They have been convicted of rape and they’re in prison and in a male prison.
“So you deal with the individual – you don’t
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told Ukrainian refugees living in the country that Scotland will be their home for as long as they need it to be, one-year on from the Russian invasion.
Teachers’ strikes specifically targeting Perthshire because it is represented at Holyrood by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP are set to go ahead next week forcing the closure of dozens of schools.
Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as first minister.The leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) made the announcement during a last-minute news conference at Bute House in Edinburgh at 11am GMT yesterday (February 15).Speaking to the press, Sturgeon said it had been a “privilege” to serve as Scotland’s first minister for the past eight years, calling it “the very best job in the world”.She explained that her decision to step down was “not a reaction to short term pressures” but came from “a deeper and longer-term assessment”.Sturgeon is the longest-serving first minister, and the only female to have occupied the role.Writing on Twitter, Mogwai‘s Stuart Braithwaite said he was “devastated” over Sturgeon’s resignation. “It felt wonderful to feel genuinely proud of the person leading our country,” he continued.“I wish her all the best for the future and thank her for her everything she has done for Scotland.”Really devastated about @NicolaSturgeon resigning.
Scotland's top polling expert has said the future success of the independence campaign will depend on who the SNP chooses as its next leader.
Former US president Donald Trump has said the "wonderful people of Scotland are much better off" without Nicola Sturgeon in office.
Nicola Sturgeon has described the environment for women in politics as “harsh and hostile”.
Nicola Sturgeon has ended her silence following a press conference this morning where she announced she would resign as First Minister of Scotland.
Martin Compston has hailed Nicola Sturgeon as "the most capable politician in the UK of the last decade", following her resignation.
Nicola Sturgeon dodged a question on a police investigation into SNP campaign funds at the conclusion of her dramatic press conference today.
The leader of Falkirk Council has paid tribute to the "incredible achievements" of Scotland's longest-serving First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who resigned earlier today (Wednesday).
West Lothian's politicians have been reacting to the shock resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this morning.
Nicola Sturgeon's decision to step down as First Minister and SNP leader has stunned the world of Scottish politics.
Nicola Sturgeon has announced her intention to resign as Scottish First Minister after nearly 10 years in the role.
A taxpayer-funded firm set up by Nicola Sturgeon to help children in care splurged £100,000 on SNP-linked lobbyists.
Up to 30,000 people are said to have cancelled their SNP membership in response to Nicola Sturgeon’s gender reforms and the stalling of independence.
An SNP MSP has attacked Nicola Sturgeon for pushing ahead with a recycling policy that has left Scots businesses living in a "state of fear"
The findings of an urgent review into the handling of the case of a double rapist placed in a women’s prison will be published this week, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Scotland’s largest teaching union has announced it will take "targeted" strike action in the Glasgow constituency of Nicola Sturgeon in a row over pay.
A senior SNP figure has said rebels should “question” if they want to stay in the party at the next election.
Nicola Sturgeon was drinking in the sweet taste of victory after Scotland’s dramatic comeback at Twickenham.