Last week Nicola Sturgeon met with Theresa May to discuss the issue of Brexit before the enactment of Article 50. The two women were discussing the impact Britain‚Äôs exit from the EU will have on the people of Scotland. They also discussed how they would work together to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone. It was a significant meeting as it’s been documented that Nicola Sturgeon does not want to leave the EU as she doesn’t think it’s best for Scotland. The next day the Daily Mail newspaper ran with the story on the front page. Instead of mentioning what the meeting was about the headline referred to the appearance of the two women, asking who had better legs. The newspaper met widespread criticism for their front page but the question remains, in 2017 why did they think that it was acceptable? Male politicians rarely face the same sort of scrutiny that women do when it comes to their appearance. Comments like this from newspapers take away from the career that she has worked hard to achieve.
Nicola Sturgeon joined the Scottish National Party (SNP) when she was 16 years old. From this young age she was a supporter of Scottish independence. After studying law and working for a time as a solicitor she began her political career when she was elected a Member of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. She worked closely with Alex Salmond when he was named leader of the SNP. Her biggest success came in 2011 when they secured a historic victory in the general election. She went on to play a major role in the Scottish independence vote, encouraging people to vote yes to leave the United Kingdom. Following the victory by the no campaign Alex Salmond stepped down as leader of the SNP and also as First Minister of Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon was chosen as his replacement.
Before the Brexit referendum she encouraged Scotland to vote to remain claiming that leaving the EU would have a negative effect on Scotland. Since the passing of Brexit she has campaigned for a second independence referendum for Scotland. Her argument this time is that the majority of people in Scotland voted to remain a part of the EU and they should have the independence to make their own choice. She faces a battle in order to get this referendum as the British Prime Minister has said that there will not be a second referendum. She would also have to work hard to convince a majority of the Scottish population that they would be better off outside Britain. With the enactment of Article 50 last week the next few months could become a very busy time for her.
-Michelle O’Brien
Junior Girl
Girl Museum Inc.