[27], On 22 June 2004, John Swinney resigned as Leader of the SNP following poor results in the European Parliament election. [56][57], On 11 June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the influenza virus a pandemic. [234] In September 2021, Sturgeon was accused of shutting down debate about gender reforms after she described concerns about gender recognition reform as "not valid" and campaign groups and analysts complained that their concerns were being ignored. Her grandmother married Robert Sturgeon, an Ayr gardener, at St Pauls Parish Church. It really matters. She departs leaving both TERF Island and her successor holding two sweating sticks of constitutional dynamite. [299], At the SNP's 2022 annual party conference in Aberdeen, Sturgeon stated "I detest the Tories and everything they stand for" in an interview on the BBC. Across Scotland, 62% of voters backed the UK remaining a member of the EU, with 38% voting for the UK to leave. University of Bradford provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK. ", "IFS: Independent Scotland 'would face continued austerity' under Growth Commission proposals", "Is post-referendum Scotland a feminist paradise? Nicola Sturgeon, (born July 19, 1970, Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland), first minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (2014- ), Scotland's fifth leaderand first woman leadersince the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and government in 1999. The recent controversy, however, involving Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's deputy first minister, the BBC and Ireland's Europea minister Lucinda Creighton should be a warning to the SNP government at . By Democrat reporter A fundamentalist representative of the Catholic Church in Scotland has called out the Scottish National Party's (SNP) "open and vicious hostility" towards pro-life Christians. I hated everything she stood for. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hit out at anti-catholic bigotry in Scotland (Image: PA) Read More Related Articles. In the same interview, Sturgeon committed to no independence referendum being held prior to the terms of a UK wide Brexit deal being agreed and presented. She served successively as the SNP's shadow minister for education, health, and justice. The reception She has received today, demonstrates that that admiration and affection is certainly felt here in Scotland. [224][225] Unionist parties have rejected this characterisation. [311][312][313] Sturgeon claimed Johnson's "fragile male ego" stopped him from meeting her. [51][52], On 26 April 2009, the Scottish Government announced that two people who had returned from Mexico had been admitted to Monklands Hospital in Airdrie after experiencing "mild flu-like symptoms". [126] May's comments confirmed that the PM wanted the Scottish government to be "fully engaged" in the process. "[291][292], Ahead of the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, Sturgeon pledged to review and reform the way that trans people change their legal gender. [253] In particular, she said she hoped to focus on closing the attainment gap between the richest and poorest children in Scottish schools, telling journalists: "Let me be clear I want to be judged on this. [135] Observers also concluded that opposition to the EU's Common Fisheries Policy in coastal communities was a factor behind large swings to the Tories in North East seats previously held by nationalists for decades.
Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell's joint bank account is key to [238] At a press conference in Bute House, Sturgeon insisted that her resignation was not due to "short term pressures" and stated that the job "takes its toll on you". [1][2] She is the longest-serving first minister of Scotland. As Shadow Education minister, Sturgeon backed Labour's efforts to repeal Section 28 a Westminster law that banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Sturgeon was branded as "ungracious" when she was filmed by Sky News celebrating Swinson's defeat. It was reported that Salmond had privately supported Sturgeon in her leadership bid, but decided to run for the position himself as it became apparent she was unlikely to beat Cunningham. [231][293] The Scottish Government said it had paused the legislation in order to find "maximum consensus" on the issue[231] and commentators described the issue as having divided the SNP like no other, with many dubbing the debate a "civil war". She ordered a review of the thorny issue of hospital car parking charges - as high as 7 in some areas - and, after years of campaigning in opposition, found herself in a position to announce an inquiry into the infection of NHS patients with Hepatitis C and HIV from tainted blood products. On 17 January 2023, the UK Government decided to implement a section 35 order of the Scottish Act 1998 which prevented the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from gaining Royal Assent. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon whose party are losing electoral support from fundamentalist members of the Catholic Church in Scotland. Initially, the Scottish Government resisted banning public events and on 12 March allowed 47,000 fans to attend a Rangers match at Ibrox, insisting that, "stopping mass gatherings [is] not the best way to contain this virus. [216] She sought the Prime Minister to consent to the vote by signing a section 30 order, a move that Downing Street has refused to comply. Looking at her previous works, she has been doing great towards the catholic faith. Sturgeon argued that the meetings were SNP party matters, and thus not covered. Established in 1999, Catholic Truth is a lay-led apostolate, launched for the purpose of . A dispersal order had to be issued as officers in riot gear battled with boozed-up fans refusing to leave . A video of the interaction went viral[187] and a few days later, Sturgeon wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asking that the development of Cambo should be "reassessed in light of the severity of the climate emergency". "[124][125] Sturgeon later said that while she believed in Scottish independence, her starting point in these discussions was to protect Scotland's relationship with the EU. Covid in Scotland LIVE as NHS in 'crisis' with cases remaining high across country [199][200][201], The Scottish Government had commissioned two new ferries for 97m from Ferguson's shipyard in 2015, but the construction of the two vessels was beset by delays and complications.
Nicola Sturgeon 'disgusted' at Rangers fans' 'anti-Catholic prejudice [321], Sturgeon was elected leader of the SNP at a time the party enjoyed a surge in membership. "If she wants to show leadership on climate she must clearly say: stop Cambo. The answer is No. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [130] Previously, May and David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland, had both highlighted that as the negotiations began with the European Union on the United Kingdom's withdraw, it was important for Scotland to work with the UK Government to get the best exit deal for both the United Kingdom and Scotland, stating that "now is not the time for another referendum".[131]. She joined the SNP following an assumption by her English teacher, who was a Labour councillor, she would be a Labour supporter. [326], Sturgeon won the Scottish Politician of the Year Award in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2019. In 1979 most of them voted No or abstained in the first referendum on devolution. SNP convener Derek Mackay publicly congratulated Sturgeon as de facto leader in waiting, saying that she would be "a fantastic new leader" for both the SNP and for Scotland. Sturgeon confirmed in June 2016 that the Scottish government had formally agreed to draft legislation to allow a second independence referendum to take place. [226][227] Some SNP members have urged Sturgeon to call an early election at Holyrood to speed up the process for a de facto referendum. [149] Among the election casualties was Liberal Democrats leader Jo Swinson, who lost her seat in East Dunbartonshire. She opposed the decision made and criticised Scottish Secretary Alister Jack for blocking the bill and said that the decision was an attack on the Scottish Parliament and Scottish democracy as a whole and said that the matter would be brought to the courts.
SNP Leadership battle to replace Nicola Sturgeon could have an impact The cosmopolitan outlook which membership of a vibrant world faith gave to Scots Catholics is fading. Labour refused to support the bill as they claimed it failed to tackle windfall profit from alcohol retailers. The SNP emerged as the second largest party and sat in opposition to the Labour-Lib Dem coalition. She is born into a family of four, including her . [309][310] This was the only occasion when he made a formal visit to Edinburgh as he declined future invites by the first minister. Despite losing her majority, Sturgeon secured a second term in office, forming a minority government. "[155] However, on 18 March Sturgeon announced to the Scottish Parliament that all schools and nurseries in Scotland would close on 20 March to try to limit the spread of the virus. "[334], Sturgeon is known for her love of fiction and says reading, "gives me a lot of joy and helps with the stresses and strains of work". [271] The Government of Spain criticised Sturgeon, claiming she had "totally misunderstood" the situation in Spain and Catalonia. [297][298], In the 2021 SNP manifesto, Sturgeon committed the party once again to reform the Gender Recognition Act[233] and in August that year included the commitment in her agreement with the Scottish Greens on power-sharing.
Nicola Sturgeon: Scottish government 'unequivocal supporter' of [174][175] The following week Sturgeon received an official reprimand from Police Scotland after a video emerged of her campaigning in a barber shop without a mask. "[250], In July 2022 the figures for 2021 were released, revealing that 1,330 had died - nine fewer than in 2020. Affiliated with the Scottish National Party, she took office in 2007 as Deputy First Minister of Scotland. [77][78][79] Sturgeon said that there would be "no greater privilege" than to lead the SNP. [14], Sturgeon was a quiet child and has been described by her younger sister as "the sensible one" of the two. Thatcher was the motivation for my entire political career. [6][7] She is the eldest of two daughters born to Joan Kerr Sturgeon (ne Ferguson, born 23 October 1952[8]), a dental nurse, and Robin Sturgeon (born 28 September 1948[9]), an electrician. [279] However, in 2018 she endorsed her party's Growth Commission report that pledged to reduce an independent Scotland's budget deficit as a percentage of GDP[280] something the Institute for Fiscal Studies concluded meant "continued austerity". [87] On this date, Sturgeon also came out on top in a trust rating opinion poll, conducted for the SNP, which indicated that 54% of the Scottish population trusted her to "stand up for Scotland's interests". Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon (born 19 July 1970) is a Scottish politician serving as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) since 2014. Feb 15, 2023 Nicola Sturgeon being catholic has been a major turn-up on the internet, as the Scottish politician has condemned anti-catholic prejudice. [266] Sturgeon highlighted her disapproval of his language and views relating to sexism and misogyny, and stated upon Trump's victory that she hopes "Trump turns out to be a president different to the one he was during his campaign and reaches out to those who felt vilified by his campaign". [37][38] This was one of many swings to the SNP, as the party emerged as the largest party, winning one seat more than the governing Scottish Labour Party. Early life and political career Fiona Hyslop and Richard Lochhead remained in their portfolios of culture secretary and rural affairs secretary, respectively. [300][301] She was accused of using "dangerous language" and when asked if she regretted the comments, Sturgeon simply replied "No" and emphasised the point she detested Tory policies and not supporters or voters. No. [138][139], In January 2019, Sturgeon referred herself to an independent ministerial ethics body, which led to an investigation into her actions with respect to a sexual harassment case concerning allegations against Salmond. One nurse told STV, "[When we hear the government say supplies are fine] it's not frustrating, it's crushing. [241][242] At the time, Scottish Drugs Forum Chief Executive David Liddell said he was concerned that the cuts had "the potential to increase harm and drug-related deaths. [235], On 22 December 2022, the Scottish Parliament voted 86 to 39 to pass the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill which was introduced by Sturgeon's government, but the bill was vetoed by the UK Government. [112] Sturgeon also hinted if re-elected she would hold a second referendum on Scottish independence.
Nicola Sturgeon should be cautious in seeking Irish support: Dublin has "The basic values of integrity and decency - essential to the proper working of any parliamentary democracy - demand that he go," she tweeted. Nicola Sturgeon is the current (2015) First Minister. [237] Sturgeon refused to say if she regards Bryson as a man or woman, though she used female pronouns when talking about Bryson. The victims of drugs and their families were failed. But the stridency of folk shedding their religious skins and looking for a substitute faith is unlikely to reconcile them to the rest of the Scottish nation. What movie and television projects has Nicola Sturgeon been in? [231] Critics of the changes within the SNP had accused Sturgeon of being "out of step" on the issue, and expressed concerns that the reforms would be open to abuse and allow predatory men into women's spaces. [65], In 2012 she pledged to build a high-speed railway line between Glasgow and Edinburgh by 2024, cutting journey times between the two cities to under 30 minutes. [102], Sturgeon's cabinet was 50/50 gender balance, with five men and five women, including herself. Nicola Sturgeon is to stand down as Scotland 's First Minister after eight years in the role, according to reports.N The Scottish National Party leader is expected to make the announcement at a hastily-arranged news conference in Edinburgh. Overall, it concluded that ministers "could have been better prepared to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic". [283] She has hailed Scottish feminist economist Ailsa McKay as one of her inspirations. Their poverty had been alleviated by post-1945 British reforms. [48] Sturgeon oversaw the scrapping of prescription charges In Scotland, an election pledge by the SNP originally for the chronically ill and those with cancer. Professor Emeritus of Politics, University of Bradford. These are the heartlands of a community once defined by deep Catholic loyalties. The Catholic church has long ceased to be an effective opinion former a charge that could equally be levelled at most denominations, of course.
Nicola Sturgeon | Biography, Facts, & Scottish Independence This included rows over the House of Commons' decision to replace the Trident nuclear weapon system, and the SNP's plans to replace council tax in Scotland with a local income tax. [111] The manifesto also included a commitment to increase NHS funding by 500 million, "baby boxes" full of essentials to newborn parents, and an ambitious new target to cut emissions by 50% by 2020 as of the party's effort to tackle climate change. Mr Swinney announced on Thursday his plans to step down when a new first minister is appointed, bringing to an end his near-16 year career at the top of the Scottish Government.
What Religion Is Nicola Sturgeon | Amarta Karya [261], In response to the Brexit vote, to discuss Scotland's interests, Sturgeon travelled to Brussels to meet with both Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission as well as Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament.[262][263]. [248] Sturgeon tweeted that the figures were "unacceptable, each one a human tragedy",[249] while the Scottish Liberal Democrats said: "It was Nicola Sturgeon's choice to ignore this unfolding epidemic. [170] This followed an open letter two months earlier, written by 200 church leaders to Sturgeon, warning her that the prohibition could be unlawful. Recently, Nicola Sturgeon caught the headlines after being accused of treating the north of England with contempt. Acknowledging this, Sturgeon suggested: "That is why the SNP have urged a policy for many months that we believe can provide people with the necessary reassurance, by providing a statutory underpinning to the guidelines, and resolve this difficult debate.
Is Nicola Sturgeon Lesbian? Sexuality Parents And Children [306] Following Johnson's appointment as British prime minister, she claimed he "rambled" in his first speech outside 10 Downing Street and suggested he was "blame shifting". First Minister condemns anti-Catholic bigotry. However, the details regarding her belief remain unknown as she has never opened up about it with the press. [42] Ultimately, Salmond formed a minority government and he was appointed First Minister of Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon blasted Rangers revellers for their anti-Catholic rampage Credit: Reuters. Is Nicola Sturgeon Catholic - What Is Her Religion? The First Minister responded to questions from Douglas Ross, following a report in the Times that Scotland would have to join the euro if it wished to be a member of the European Union. [citation needed], Sturgeon attended Dreghorn Primary School from 1975 to 1982 and Greenwood Academy from 1982 to 1988. [123] An emergency Scottish cabinet meeting on 25 June agreed that the Scottish Government would seek to enter negotiations with the EU and its member states, to explore options to protect Scotland's place in the EU. However, that decision is not for today. [307][308] In July 2019, the prime minister met Sturgeon at her official residence, Bute House, where Johnson was "booed and heckled" by protesters. [162] Over three thousand care home residents died from COVID-19[163] and Gary Smith, Scotland Secretary of the GMB, said the policy had turned "care homes into morgues". The move is prompting a new conversations about trans rights, independence and Jacinda Ardern. The SNP won 48 seats, and came second place in the 11 others; their 45% of the vote yielded 80% of the seats in Scotland. [36], In the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, Sturgeon defeated Gordon Jackson QC[a] with a 4.7% swing to the SNP in the Glasgow Govan constituency. We may be seeing social volatility on Clydeside harnessed and turned it into a powerful weapon.
My fellow Catholics are the lapsed unionists behind SNP surge in the polls [229] However, proposed changes to Scotland's Gender Recognition Act that would have allowed people to change their identity through self-identification, rather than a medical process, were paused in June 2019. Nicola Sturgeon has: Played herself in "Question Time" in 1979. The up side is that Peter understands what's going on and why I am late home all the time. I owe the Daily Mail big time for that', "Most dangerous woman in Britain or Queen of Scotland? Their neighbourhoods are shared with people who adhere to a Protestant culture, but they are less likely to have been at the crest of the SNP wave. [244] Sturgeon sacked her Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick and in April 2021 said of the crisis: "I think we took our eye off the ball.
Nicola Sturgeon slams anti-Catholic bigotry as parades commission In 2022 Audit Scotland concluded that the final price tag for the vessels would be somewhere between 250m and 400m once the ships were finished in 2023. [29] The political columnist Iain Macwhirter declared that while she "didn't inspire great warmth", she was "quick on her feet, lacks any ideological baggage and has real determination unlike Roseanna Cunningham". [317][318], At the beginning of Sturgeon's political career, she was often regarded as a "nippy sweetie", Scottish slang for the "sharp-tongued and strong-minded". [236], Sturgeon has campaigned against replacing the Trident nuclear weapons system. [49][50], Sturgeon also outlined a guaranteed maximum 18-week wait for patients after they had seen their GP and vowed to do away with deferred or "hidden" waiting lists. [273][failed verification], Sturgeon is a constitutional monarchist, telling journalists that it is "a model that has many merits". [269][270], In the run up to the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, Nicola Sturgeon offered her own personal backing and that of the Scottish Government to Catalonia in the holding of a referendum. [322][323][324][325] It followed her party's unprecedented landslide victory in the 2015 general election, which questioned the future of the union.