Sturgeon’s dismissal of UN expert so arrogant

We have all known for a long time that Nicola Sturgeon has no time for anyone, including within her own party, who has an opinion that does not match hers.

Opposing views are instantly suspect, she is not interested in hearing them and certainly will never discuss or debate them. She is always right and everyone else is wrong. This dismissive attitude does not sit well with most Scots (again, including a growing number in the SNP).

She has now taken her arrogance to a new level. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, a woman with 22 years of experience in human rights, has written to Ms Sturgeon on the subject of the government's Gender Recognition Reform Bill, advising her that the Bill is rushed, vague, contradictory and that the consultation exercise was not fair or inclusive.

How has Ms Sturgeon responded? By dismissing Ms Alsalem's letter as “the comments from the person at the UN". A petulant show of arrogance and rudeness, ever more indicative of someone who is running out of ideas and time.

JIM HOUSTON

Edinburgh