Talking about why she got into politics, she told BBC Radio Four's Women's Hour: "Thatcher was prime minister, the economy wasn't in great shape, lots of people around me were looking at a life or an immediate future of unemployment and I think that certainly gave me a strong sense of social justice and, at that stage, a strong feeling that it was wrong for Scotland to be governed by a Tory government that we hadn't elected.". Amateur Scots football captain in intensive care after 'sudden and severe accident'. This is flat wrong.". The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. The bad blood that resulted between former allies Sturgeon and Salmond deeply divided the SNP as it headed into the important elections for the Scottish Parliament in May 2021, in which Sturgeon and the SNP hoped to gain an outright majority that would allow them to push forward with a new referendum on independence, popularly referred to as indyref2. In late March Salmond formed his own political party, the Alba Party, for the election, and Sturgeon witnessed a drop in her popularity. The Government announced that secondary school children returning to class in September 2020 in areas subject to local lockdown would be required to wear face masks in corridors and communal areas where social distancing was difficult to maintain. Mr Hancock said in his book, Pandemic Diaries, that the 'tragic but honest truth' at the start of April was that 'we don't have enough testing capacity'. Please select which sections you would like to print: Peter Kellner is the former president of YouGov PLC and the author of. Paper Subscription to the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, Paper Subscription to the Paisley Daily Express, 2023 Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd, Lorna Slater accused of 'desperate spinning' as small firms fail to register for deposit return scheme, Stephen Flynn asks Rishi Sunak if it hurts that 'Labour believes in Brexit more than he does', Amazon Fire TV Stick warning as tech giant issues serious alert to users. She'll continue to serve in parliament until the next election for her seat in May 2026. The wearing of face masks in schools was introduced in English schools after Boris Johnson was told it was "not worth an argument" with Nicola Sturgeon.The former prime minister pursued the policy . Successful new claims for Pension Credit may also qualify for the 900 cost of living payment. The Telegraph's investigation revealed Sir Chris Whitty told the then-health secretary in April 2020 there should be testing for "all going into care homes". Nicola joined the SNP when she was 16-years-old and has held a number of roles within the party since then. Lindsay Jackson, spokesperson for Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group, said: 'The failure to protect care homes led to thousands of unnecessary deaths, like my mum's.'. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. This could be a moment where poltics is reset - making it very hard to predict or plan for what comes next. Taking Vitamin D each day could cut your chances of getting dementia, study claims. View our online Press Pack. All rights reserved. Get the latest Scottish politics news sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. But the World Health Organization recommended on August 21, 2020 that children aged 12 and over should wear masks in situations where they could not maintain social distancing. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. Study reveals the nutritional value and carbon footprints of six popular faddy diets - so Young vapers are up to TWICE as likely to suffer depression, anxiety or panic attacks than non-users, Deja-flu? Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first leader, then announced the compulsory wearing of face masks in corridors and communal areas in secondary schools north of the border on August 25. Noble stuff. On the one hand, Thatcher showed that a forceful woman could reach the top in politics, but, on the other hand, she had imposed deeply conservative policies to which the teenage Sturgeon was fiercely opposed. Allegations emerged today based on a leaked trove of more than 100,000 WhatsApp messages obtained by the Telegraph which provide an insight into the way government operated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result Scotland fared better proportionally than England did in terms of cases of the coronavirus and deaths related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Ms Sturgeon believed the Westminster system did not represent Scotland's best interests, adding "Scotland needs a permanent alternative to Westminster which is why the independence choice is so necessary". Slavery plaque on Scots memorial could go after plan approved for its removal. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Scotland Goes To Polls In Crucial Election That Could Trigger New Independence Vote. The body of Kyle Sambrook and his beagle Bane were found in Glencoe on Saturday following a three-day search. Family of missing Scots man 'worried sick' and 'desperate for papa to come home'. The then Prime Minister went ahead with the controversial policy despite England's Chief Medical Officer saying there were 'no very strong reasons' to do so. At a press conference at her Edinburgh residence on Wednesday, Sturgeon told reporters she'd wrestled with the decision for weeks, ultimately deciding that someone else would be better suited to the relentless pressure of the job. Could Meghan and Harrys eviction overshadow the coronation? But the exchanges, from April 14, 2020, suggest Mr Hancock ultimately rejected the guidance - telling an aide the move just "muddies the waters" - and introduced mandatory testing only for those coming from hospitals rather than the community. We pay for your stories and videos! Ms Sturgeon is enjoying incredibly high popularity ratings north of the border amid a surge in support for independence. as he pushed for favourable front-page coverage, Mr Osborne warned Mr Hancock that 'no one thinks testing is going well' in late 2020, Then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, revealed he was going 'quietly crackers' about the UK's shortage of test kits. As of April 2015, the salary for the First Minister of Scotland was decided as being 144,687 per year. Mr Hancock described it as "obviously a good positive step". Nicola Sturgeon calls Boris Johnson 'disgrace to office of prime minister' First minister of Scotland also jokes she never thought she would look back fondly on Theresa May as PM Nicola. Indeed, just three months ago in December 2021, MSPs saw their pay increased by 3.4 per cent meaning that should any SNP minister quit or resign from the government they can earn the new figure of66,662 per year. TikTok will LIMIT screen time for users under-18 to 60 minutes a day - and they will be prompted to enter a Covid families and critics accuse Matt Hancock of 'criminal negligence': Fury as WhatsApps 'show he ignored Is YOUR lifestyle good for your heart? Face masks were introduced in schools for the first time after Boris Johnson was told it was not worth an argument with Nicola Sturgeon over the issue, leaked files suggest. Although the party lost its outright majority, falling from 69 seats won in 2011 to 63 in 2016, Sturgeon opted not to pursue coalition rule (the most likely partner would probably have been the Scottish Green Party). Following Mr Johnson's statement, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said that the country would be "breathing a sigh of relief that Boris Johnson is going". He said: No strong reason against in corridors etc, and no very strong reasons for, before adding: So agree not worth an argument.. Mr Johnson's departure has thrown the playing pieces up in the air, and other leaders are largely waiting to see where they land. Police have launched a probe after a group of up to 300 people gathered outside a house in Graham Road, with the incident said to be the result of 'inaccurate information posted online'. Is he in the SNP? She added: 'in a situation where we had the capacity to test at most a few thousand each day, tough decisions about prioritisation had to be made, decisions that were taken on the best public health advice available.'. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Johnson to stand down after wave of resignations, Scottish secretary is only territorial minister left in PM's Cabinet, Boris Johnson rejects Nicola Sturgeon's indyref2 call, Harry and Meghan told to 'vacate' Frogmore Cottage, Rare Jurassic-era bug found at Arkansas Walmart, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Baby's body found as police continue to question couple, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms. Mr Cain told the PM: "Considering Scotland has just confirmed it will I find it hard to believe we will hold the line. The comments below have not been moderated. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Dozens of girls treated after new Iran poisonings, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Allowing devolved nations to set their own Covid policies is understood to be one of Boris Johnsons pandemic regrets. But "later that day he convened an operational meeting on delivering testing for care homes where he was advised it was not currently possible to test everyone entering care homes, which he also accepted". On Thursday morning, it emerged that Mr Johnson had decided to step down. Scott Taylor, who plays for Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, is recovering in hospital in an induced coma after undergoing a 10-hour operation. Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5300, Baby's body found after huge search, as cops quiz Constance Marten & lover, Cops hunting multiple suspects in shooting after dad blasted on doorstep, Riot cops hit with fireworks & bricks as angry protest erupts in Scots street, Constance cops 'examine baby blanket found in woods' in search for infant, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The former prime minister pursued the policy despite England's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Chris Whitty, saying there were "no very strong reasons" to support the move. No commitment. The Conservative chief has negative ratings across the board - with his popularity plummeting since last December's resounding election victory. Around two-thirds are happy with how the Scottish Government has dealt with communicating decisions and the vaccine rollout. Nicola Sturgeon says she does not feel snubbed but it is odd not to meet PM on his Scotland visit. Ms Sturgeon had then introduced the policy for secondary school pupils to wear masks in corridors and communal spaces. Sturgeon, now 52, was the first woman to lead the country's Scottish National Party (SNP) and serve as first minister. "We haven't had culture wars in Scotland, but they suddenly arrived with a vengeance," Keating explained. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The suddenness of Sturgeon's departure is drawing comparisons with New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Arden, who also announced her surprise resignation last month after five years in office. Before we perform another u turn can I have a view on whether they are necessary?. Scottish Tory Mr Ross said the decision to resign was the right one. Sturgeon had already announced the compulsory wearing of face masks in corridors and communal areas in Scottish secondary schools and in August 2020. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. That guidance applied to a third of a million pupils in secondary schools in Greater Manchester, parts of Lancashire, Leicester and West Yorkshire. She spearheaded the SNP campaign for reelection in Holyrood in 2011, getting the party what was an unprecedented majority at the time, dismantling a number of Labour strongholds within the country. The guidance stating that those coming in from the community should be tested was eventually introduced on August 14. Sturgeon's argument was effective. Nicola Sturgeon has warned Boris Johnson against blocking a fresh referendum on Scottish independence after a poll found a majority would now vote yes. Nicola Sturgeon has stood up for her six million people far more than Boris Johnson, and she has appraoched the Downing Street Government to try to get a Referendum over Scottish Independance organised. What's he waiting for? Read ourcoronavirus live blogfor the latest news & updates. On Wednesday, Sturgeon avoided answering a question about whether the drama was "the straw that broke the camel's back," reiterating instead that she wasn't resigning "over short-term issues.". She wished Mr Johnson and his family well on a personal level. NICOLA Sturgeon is more popular in England than Boris Johnson, polling has been revealed. Johnson asked his chief medical officer for advice on whether they were necessary in England. The shielding guidance was designed to protect people who were most at risk from getting the virus. In May Sturgeon was encouraged by some influential members of the SNP to shift her focus from independence and to back the call by Scottish Liberal Democrats for another referendum on Brexit. However, at the time Ms Sturgeon accepted 135,605 . The first minister was an active advocate for the Remain campaign in the run-up to the June 23 referendum on whether the United Kingdom should leave the European Union (EU; Brexit). 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Children were ordered to wear face masks in schools after Boris Johnson was told the issue was 'not worth an argument' with Nicola Sturgeon. Before we perform another u turn can I have a view on whether they are necessary?. Boris Johnson on Sunday completely failed to convey the seriousness of . She studied Law at the University of Glasgow and for a time worked as a solicitor in the city. I am always buying shoes not too expensive, though, because I am very hard on them. Boris Johnson introduced face masks in English schools after he was advised it was "not worth an argument" with Nicola Sturgeon over the issue, according to reports. Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? The UK Government announced the following day that secondary children in areas subject to local lockdowns would have to wear face masks in corridors and communal areas where it was difficult to social distance. . By Angus Howarth. "The question, really, is, will Scotland become a high-taxation, high-spending, pro-welfare, pro-public service like the Nordic countries? In the 2007 elections to Scotlands Parliament, the SNP emerged as the largest party. Nicola Sturgeon husband: Who is Peter Murrell? Sturgeon said she would remain as SNP leader and first minister until the party had chosen her successor. And finally, no such restraint has been exhibited by the SNP in Westminster, where the partys MPs are preparing to take up the salary increase in a fortnights time. In WhatsApp messages, obtained by the Telegraph, Sir Chris Whitty appeared ambivalent when asked for his opinion. New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern is resigning. The following day the Government announced that secondary school children returning to classes in September in areas subject to local lockdown would be required to wear face masks in corridors and communal areas where social distancing was difficult to maintain. Sturgeon also led the SNP to its third straight victory in the elections for the Scottish Parliament in May 2016. Well ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. In November she succeeded Salmondwho had resignedas Scotlands first minister and leader of the SNP. Jane Barlow /Pool/Getty Images "Even if for many across the country and in my party, it might feel too soon, in my head and in my heart, I know that time is now, that it is right for me, for my party, and for the country," Sturgeon said. The then Prime Minister went ahead with the . Body of baby found in search for missing infant after parents arrested. Writing on Twitter at the time of the August 2020 U-turn, Katherine Birbalsingh, headteacher of a school in north west London, warned: 'Masks mean mayhem.'. In the last few months, Sturgeon has been embroiled in a separate fight with the U.K. government over a new law focused on gender identity. Boris Johnson raised the prospect of giving over-65s 'a choice' between shielding from the virus or taking what he hoped would be an 'ever-diminishing risk' of living a more normal life. Sturgeon initially announced that she would be a candidate for the position, but she withdrew in favour of Alex Salmondwho had been party leader until he was replaced by Swinney in 2000. This was a week before English schools reopened after the summer holiday. His communications director, Lee Cain, asked why Downing Street would "want to have the fight on not having masks in certain school settings". Jane Barlow/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Could there be a little part of the first minister which feels she's missed the chance to go up against Mr Johnson in an independence referendum? There's been many excess deaths in care homes. Nicola has broadly. "The downsides are in the classroom because of the potential to interfere with teaching. 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