Nicola Sturgeon press conference RECAP: First Minister gives update on gender reform, tax returns, strikes and more
The First Minister gave insight into any question asked by journalists, with the gender reform debate and strike action expected raised.
At her press conference last month, the issue of her tax returns was mentioned, and following on from said conference her tax returns for the years dating back to 2014 have been published by the SNP.
The most recent return lists a total income of £140,496 from her employment as an MSP and First Minister.
Here’s how the press conference unfolded.
Nicola Sturgeon press conference LIVE: Updates as First Minister holds general conference
Nicola Sturgeon is asked what she thinks of the return of Liz Truss to the political scene.
She says that she did not “wade her way through” the 4000 word article - but adds that people across the UK are still paying for the decisions made by Liz Truss when she was Prime Minister and could have done with a little more time before her return.
Nicola Sturgeon has declared her Government’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill is about rights, not “ideology”, as she said politicians should not have to quit the SNP over the issue.
Nicola Sturgeon was quizzed by journalist Tom Gordon after referring to Isla Bryson as a woman.
“Isla Bryson calls herself a woman” says the First Minister after she was challenged Sturgeon for saying “her” in response to Mark McLaughlin.
The First Minister has been frequently asked the gender of Isla Bryson.
If you are just joining us, here are some key points
Nicola Sturgeon has said her Government is doing “everything in our power” to avoid the need to use contingency plans for dealing with any disruption to Scottish exams due to industrial action from teachers.
Speaking at a press conference at St Andrews House in Edinburgh, Nicola Sturgeon said the contingency plans would be set out in full if required, but stressed she wanted to reach agreement with teaching unions to ensure they are not required.
She said the Scottish Government is She added any agreement would involve compromise on both sides and need to be fair and affordable.
The First Minister also said that her government would be looking to press on with gender reform and challenge the Section 35 bill. She added that Anas Sarwar, Douglas Ross and Rishi Sunak should all release their tax returns.
Nicola Sturgeon was also quizzed about a loan to the SNP from her husband.
She told journalists she couldn’t recall when she found out her husband had loaned £108,000 to the SNP.
When questioned Ms Sturgeon also said all of the “resources” loaned to the SNP were her husband’s, not hers
Brian Monteith writing in today’s print edition of The Scotsman called for SNP rebels to call out Nicola Sturgeon over gender reform.
He wrote: “It is time the SNP rebels took the high road and sought to save the cause of nationalism by defending the cause of women and children. By calling one or more by-elections and allowing the public to express its opposition to Sturgeon’s GRR Bill Scottish democracy will be strengthened”
If you are just joining us here’s a round up of what you’ve missed.
- Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed she still intends to challenge the UK Government’s use of Section 35 to block the Gender Recognition Reform Bill from becoming law.
- Asked if people should be standing down from the SNP if they disagreed with the Scottish Government’s stance, she said: “No I don’t.” She added that for every party in the democratic world, there is a general expectation that politicians will stand on its platform.
- 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.
- Ms Sturgeon was also asked about the case of double rapist Isla Bryson and whether she thought Bryson was “at it” in changing gender. She said: “In this case, the individual is a rapist, that’s the important description for this individual.
- Nicola Sturgeon has said her Government is doing “everything in our power” to avoid the need to use contingency plans for dealing with any disruption to Scottish exams due to industrial action from teachers.
- She added that Anas Sarwar, Douglas Ross and Rishi Sunak should all release their tax returns.