The New Statesman: politics and culture Where does JK Rowling get the time to obsess about me? | Nicola Sturgeon interview
Sep 13, 2025
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister, shares her journey of reshaping Scottish politics while navigating crises like the independence referendum and the Covid-19 pandemic. In a candid discussion with Anoosh Chakelian, she addresses the complexities of nationalism, her polarizing persona, and a surprising public feud with JK Rowling. Sturgeon also reflects on her early political challenges, emotional vulnerability, and the evolving dynamics of Scottish independence, urging a more responsible dialogue on sensitive issues.
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Root Causes Over Scapegoats
- Nicola Sturgeon argues Reform taps real economic anxieties while offering poor solutions like scapegoating immigrants.
- She links many UK problems to the financial crash and Brexit, not migrants or 'wokery'.
Counter Misinformation With Policy
- Take on misinformation and distorted narratives from a position of principle rather than conceding the terms of debate.
- Then offer real, tangible policy solutions that address living standards and services to win voters back.
Flags Reflect Reputation, Not Fix Problems
- Sturgeon says flags are symbols that reflect a country's reputation rather than cause it to change.
- She warns flag-focused campaigns can distract from public services and living standards issues.
