Nicola Sturgeon pulls out of Edinburgh science festival event
Nicola Sturgeon has pulled out of an event discussing climate change, after her husband was arrested yesterday before being released without charge, pending further investigation
Last updated 9th Apr 2023
Nicola Sturgeon has pulled out of an Edinburgh science festival event tonight (April 6).
The former First Minister had been due to discuss climate change on stage with Mexican ambassador Patricia Espinosa.
But now she's been replaced by MSP Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition.
It follows the arrest yesterday of the SNP's former Chief Executive, and Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell.
He was questioned for hours on an investigation into the party's finances, before being released without charged pending further investigation.
Officers have been investigating the spending of about £600,000 which was earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.
A spokesperson for Nicola Sturgeon said: “In order to keep the focus of this event on the critical issue of the climate emergency and Ambassador Patricia Espinosa contribution, Nicola Sturgeon has made the decision not to participate this evening. She is grateful to the Festival and Ambassador Espinosa for their understanding, and to Mairi McAllan for taking her place.”
READ MORE: Peter Murrell released from custody
An Edinburgh Science spokesperson said: “While Nicola Sturgeon MSP is no longer attending our Climate of Change event, we are thrilled to be welcoming MSP Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition who will join Ambassador Patricia Espinosa for this vital conversation.
“The Edinburgh Science Festival has been proudly programming events such as these which highlight and inspire people of all ages and all backgrounds to action on our climate emergency for many years. We look forward to welcoming our audiences to this insightful and inspiring discussion.”