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Exclusive: top Scottish academic speaks out over Mhairi Black ‘slut’ tweet

After Scottish Labour compiled a dossier of online abuse by cybernats, Scottish nationalists were quick to respond that supporters of other parties are just as bad.

Step forward Jill Stephenson, Professor Emeritus of Modern German History at the University of Edinburgh. The retired academic is in the firing line over tweets she sent ahead of the election calling SNP MP Mhairi Black a ‘foul-mouthed slut’. After the Scottish Herald dug up the tweets over the weekend, the SNP responded with a strongly worded statement against her:

‘As we have repeatedly stated, the online debate in Scottish politics should be respectful at all times – that clearly includes people who oppose the SNP and independence, as this person demonstrates, and we trust that the other parties will do all they can to root the abuse out.’

The cybernats have been quick to turn on Stephenson online, with some calling on the university to strip her of her title. On Twitter, various people have also criticised Stephenson’s ‘sexist’ comment:

https://twitter.com/sarahfishlock/status/617739633020026880

https://twitter.com/armsofrain/status/617738960643690496

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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