Nicola Sturgeon's Lawyer Defends 'No Comment' Police Interview in SNP Funds Probe

Aamer Anwar, solicitor for former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has defended her election to answer "no comment" during police questioning in June 2023, concerning the ongoing investigation into Scottish National Party (SNP) finances. This defence follows a report that Sturgeon "sat in silence for hours" at Falkirk police station, a claim Anwar stated was standard legal advice and not an impediment to the inquiry.

Murrell's Embezzlement Conviction

The defence comes after Sturgeon's estranged husband, Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, pleaded guilty to embezzling over £400,000 from the party across a twelve-year period. Murrell reportedly used the funds for personal acquisitions, including a motorhome, vehicles, and various luxury items, some of which were allegedly gifted to Sturgeon.

Anwar affirmed that Sturgeon has consistently maintained no knowledge or suspicion regarding personal items being purchased with party funds. She was subsequently informed in March 2025 that she was no longer under police investigation. Murrell is currently remanded in custody and awaits sentencing.

Political Criticism and Legal Standard

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticised Sturgeon's use of her "right to silence," equating it to a "tactic of organised crime" and suggesting it contradicted her earlier public statements of full cooperation. Anwar dismissed these assertions as "deeply worrying," reiterating that a "no comment" response is standard legal counsel in such jurisdictions and that Sturgeon later provided a "detailed written response" to Police Scotland.