The First Minister faced calls to apologise for describing a serving police officer’s comments on pay as “disgraceful”.
Tory MSP Graham Simpson read out an email sent to him by an East Kilbride policeman that bemoaned a 6.5% salary rise, when NHS staff are getting 9%.
Mr Simpson asked the First Minister to respond to the remarks, which included: “Is it that the government know that because police officers cannot strike or take any real industrial action that they are an easy target?”
Ms Sturgeon replied: “Parts of those comments were quite disgraceful. I value all public sector workers, and I thank them for the work that they do.
“The police pay award is the best award for police officers anywhere in the United Kingdom.”
Speaking after First Minister’s Questions, Mr Simpson said: “The FM needs to apologise for being so dismissive of his concerns.”
Her official spokesman said she would not apologise as her response was directed at the Scottish Conservative MSP’s and not the police officer.
