Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
Nicola Sturgeon takes down a Daily Mail ‘political hack’ with just 10 words
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has taken down the Daily Mail‘s self-described “political hack” Andrew Pierce. On 7 October, Pierce called Sturgeon “another member of the political elite who think they know better than the people”. His accusation came after Sturgeon confirmed SNP MPs would vote in favour of a People’s Vote if given the opportunity in the House of Commons. It didn’t end well for Pierce.
In fact, Sturgeon shut him down in just 10 words:
The people I serve voted 62% to remain the EU. https://t.co/sbLoyUI3mM
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 7, 2018
It appears Sturgeon isn’t taking any prisoners.
Indeed, the Scottish electorate voted 62% to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum.
Nicola Sturgeon and a People’s Vote
Sturgeon announced her support for a People’s Vote on The Andrew Marr Show on 7 October.
The first minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP spoke ahead of her party conference being held in Glasgow between 7 and 9 October.
Pressure group People’s Vote UK took to Twitter after the interview. It said the campaign for a vote on the final Brexit deal had “momentum”:
BREAKING: Nicola Sturgeon say that SNP MPs will vote for a #PeoplesVote if there is a vote in Parliament – this is absolutely huge news – please RT so everybody knows that all the momentum is with our campaign for a #PeoplesVote on the Brexit deal: pic.twitter.com/5cxC7OIIf1
— People's Vote UK (@peoplesvote_uk) October 7, 2018
As reported by the BBC, Sturgeon claimed the UK was heading towards a “cobbled together” exit deal from the EU which would be “almost as unacceptable as no deal at all”. Any deal agreed between the UK and EU will go to a vote in Westminster. It will also need to be ratified by the other 27 EU member states.
Sturgeon said:
In those circumstances, sensible MPs of all parties should come together to look at the alternative…
No doubt calls for a second referendum would grow in those circumstances, and I’ve said before we wouldn’t stand in the way of a second referendum. I think SNP MPs would undoubtedly vote for that proposition.
The reaction
Sturgeon’s takedown of Pierce attracted a lot of reaction on Twitter, including some tongue-in-cheek digs.
One potential ‘Brexit refugee’ might want to move to Scotland:
I’m coming to live in Scotland if Brexit happens as will thousands of other Brexit refugees who no longer recognise the country they live in. I hope you will let me in!
— patsy wilkes (@patsywilkes2) October 7, 2018
But Mr Malky intervened and shared a handy diagram:
Not so fast
First you have to pass the citizenship test pic.twitter.com/VSoasTdoP6— Mr Malky (@MrMalky) October 7, 2018
Another voter believed the SNP and other “Indy parties” will deliver independence for Scotland:
And thank you for standing up for us! I also have faith that the SNP and other Indy parties will lead us to independence, free from corrupt Westminster. And while I believe in full EU membership, I understand if an indy Scotland aims for something inbetween. Indy first.
— Erik Kristiansen????????? (@ErikInEdinburgh) October 7, 2018
An English businessman said he wanted to move his business to Scotland if it remains in the EU:
A Scotland in the EU will make me ask for Scottish nationality and move my business upnorth even if it means ditching an English passport
— The Epicurean liberal ? (@thiemacquet) October 7, 2018
And one voter said she’d joined the SNP after Sturgeon’s announcement:
Just became a SNP member after this mornings confirmation – Nicola you are the closest thing we have to a progressive leader, been watching for a long time, now utterly convinced and backing you all the way – give my child her future back!
— Nadida de Coco (@Nadidadecoco) October 7, 2018
An English Remain voter would back Scottish independence after moving to Scotland:
Voted Remain while still living in ??????? ✅
Would vote for Independence now living in ???????✅
Happy at having a political leader who displays common sense and integrity when the current political climate is full of the venal, the self-interested and the stupid ✅✅✅
— Alyson#NHSLove? (@Valeria_Watt) October 7, 2018
And one voter who was against Scottish independence in 2014 now backs the campaign:
To all those people saying that Scotland voted to stay in the UK, I was one of the no voters. I was at the AUOB march in Edinburgh yesterday and I will be voting Yes at the next Indy ref, I know a lot of other no voters who have changed their minds and will also be voting Yes
— Susan Kyle (@kizzymutt) October 7, 2018
So Sturgeon has enthused those who back Scotland remaining in the EU. She’s also given optimism to those who back a People’s Vote.
As for Pierce, it looks like the Scottish first minister has given him his heid tae play wi.
Get Involved!
– Join The Canary, so we can keep holding the powerful to account.
– Follow the People’s Vote campaign on Twitter
Featured image via: Darth Small/YouTube
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