NICOLA Sturgeon has vowed to tackle transphobia within the SNP if it exists, insisting she takes on “bigotry” whenever she encounters it.

She was asked during First Minister’s Questions yesterday whether her government has broken its promises to transgender and nonbinary people.

It came after she tweeted a video message on the issue, following reports of significant numbers of people leaving the SNP because they do not consider it to be a safe and tolerant place for trans people.

In the message posted on Wednesday evening, which she said was not scripted but “comes from my heart”, Sturgeon said she does not care if people accuse her of being woke and that there should be a zero-tolerance approach to transphobia.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.

He said: “Following that statement as a party leader, does she think the same message and the same commitment is needed from her as First Minister for the actions and inactions of the Scottish Government?

“Does she regret that promises made to trans and nonbinary people to make their lives easier, to improve their healthcare and uphold their rights, were broken – and transphobia in Scotland has grown far worse as a result of the Government’s failure to act?”

Sturgeon replied: “I actually think this is something all of us have a duty to speak out on.

“I’ve got a duty and a responsibility to tackle transphobia if it exists in my own party.

“I’ve got a duty as First Minister to make sure that the Scottish Government enhances and protects the rights of trans people.”