Nicola Sturgeon makes first comments since arrest

The former first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has spoken in public for the first time since she was arrested and released without charge six days ago, amid a police investigation into the finances of the Scottish National Party.

“You know I can't say very much just now,” Ms Sturgeon told reporters gathered outside her home in Glasgow.

“What I will say is [to] reiterate the statement I issued last Sunday, which is I am certain that I have done nothing wrong.

“I intend to be back in [the Scottish] parliament in the early part of the week. I'll make myself available for questions then, obviously within the constraints that I am referring to right now.

“For now, I intend to go home, catch up with some family.”

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to press outside her home on Sunday, in Glasgow. Getty Images

'I have done nothing wrong'

She was questioned by police investigating the SNP's finances and was released without charge on June 11 pending further investigation. She then spent a week away from her Glasgow house.

Asked by a reporter if she is considering resigning from the SNP, Ms Sturgeon said: “I have done nothing wrong, and that is the only thing I'm going to say today.”

“It's for others to comment as they say fit, but that's my position, and I'm entitled to take it.”

Ms Sturgeon confirmed that no conditions have been placed on her by the police after she was released from custody without charge, pending further investigation.

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday, February 8 v Kenya; Friday, February 9 v Canada; Sunday, February 11 v Nepal; Monday, February 12 v Oman; Wednesday, February 14 v Namibia; Thursday, February 15 final

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

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Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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The Programme

Saturday, October 26: ‘The Time That Remains’ (2009) by Elia Suleiman
Saturday, November 2: ‘Beginners’ (2010) by Mike Mills
Saturday, November 16: ‘Finding Vivian Maier’ (2013) by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel
Tuesday, November 26: ‘All the President’s Men’ (1976) by Alan J Pakula
Saturday, December 7: ‘Timbuktu’ (2014) by Abderrahmane Sissako
Saturday, December 21: ‘Rams’ (2015) by Grimur Hakonarson

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE