Sturgeon’s Legal Response to Police Interview
Nicola Sturgeon's legal representative has justified her choice to respond with "no comment" during police questioning following her arrest linked to an investigation into the Scottish National Party's (SNP) finances.
The Scottish Sun reported on Tuesday that the former first minister remained silent for several hours at Falkirk police station after her arrest on 11 June 2023, as part of Operation Branchform.
Sturgeon's solicitor, Aamer Anwar, stated that this response was based on standard legal advice and dismissed assertions that it obstructed the investigation. This inquiry recently culminated in the conviction of her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, for embezzlement.
Anwar further noted that Sturgeon subsequently submitted a "detailed written response" to Police Scotland's inquiries.
Details of Murrell’s Embezzlement and Connection to Sturgeon
Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, admitted on Monday to embezzling over £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period.
The misappropriated funds were spent on a motorhome, vehicles, and numerous other items, including jewellery and luxury goods, some of which were gifted to Sturgeon.
In a statement to the Press Association news agency, Anwar reiterated Sturgeon's position that she had no knowledge or suspicion that personal items had been purchased with SNP funds.
Timeline of Arrests and Police Interviews
Murrell was initially arrested and questioned on 5 April 2023, with Sturgeon being arrested two months later in connection with the investigation.
Sturgeon attended a police interview by prior arrangement, was taken into custody, questioned by detectives, and released without charge after seven hours.
Following Murrell's arrest, Sturgeon had declared her intention to "fully co-operate with the police" if requested for an interview.
Legal Advice and Sturgeon's Cooperation
Anwar explained that Sturgeon's decision to answer "no comment" during the police interview was based on the "standard" advice of a senior lawyer.
"In relation to the advice tendered to Ms Sturgeon to make no comment, this was by her solicitor, formerly a very senior crown counsel at Crown Office," he said.
He added that Sturgeon insisted on providing a "detailed written response" to Police Scotland's questions later on.
"The idea that a highly resourced inquiry was hampered by a no comment interview is nonsensical," he stated.
"Had there been any evidence whatsoever of criminality against Ms Sturgeon, there can be no doubt that this gold-plated investigation would have led to Ms Sturgeon being charged and prosecuted.
"To make it abundantly clear it was not the role of the First Minister to sign off accounts that was for the party treasurer.
"There appears to be an assumption that as FM, when Mr Murrell was busy buying multiple pens or pepper pots etc she was with him, Ms Sturgeon was not as unsurprisingly she was busy with other matters."
Sturgeon's Position and Police Investigation Status
Sturgeon has consistently maintained her innocence and was informed last year that she was no longer under police investigation.
Criticism from Scottish Conservative Leader
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticized Sturgeon's decision not to answer questions during the 2023 police interview, characterizing her "right to silence" as a "tactic of organised crime."
On the social media platform X, Findlay stated:
"Nicola Sturgeon spent hours saying 'no comment' when questioned by police (that's what organised criminals do)."
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, Findlay added:
"Nicola Sturgeon gave a 'no comment' answer to every single question put to her by Police Scotland.
This is someone who told the public at the time she co-operated fully with police. I think that is at odds with that."
Anwar responded that a "no comment" answer is "standard advice offered on a regular basis in our jurisdiction" and described Findlay's criticism as "deeply worrying."
Investigation Outcomes and Legal Proceedings
Sturgeon and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, who was also arrested, were informed by police in March 2025 that they were no longer subjects of the investigation.
Murrell appeared in court the same month charged with embezzlement and pleaded guilty during a court hearing in Edinburgh on Monday.
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
