Nicola Sturgeon believes the UK Government should be more considerate towards a Pakistani Christian woman recently cleared of blasphemy charges.

Asia Bibi’s death sentence was overturned by Pakistan’s Supreme Court in October this year.  Their decision has outraged hardline groups whose followers protested and, in some cases, rioted in the country’s major cities.

Her supporters have urged Western countries to offer asylum to the mother of five. The UK Government has come in for particular criticism after officials in the Foreign Office advised its counterparts at the Home Office not to offer sanctuary, as it could lead to attacks on consular staff in Pakistan.

The SNP leader and Scottish First Minister said: “I believe the Home Office should be more sympathetic in this case.”

When asked if she would specifically offer Scotland as a new home for Ms Bibi and her family, to relevant UK authorities, she added: “Asylum is a matter reserved for Westminster.  If the situation was different [if Scotland was independent] then it’s something we could look at.  

“I know the authorities look at each case on an individual basis, but in this particular instance, I would urge the Home Office to treat it more sympathetically.”

Last month a number of Scottish church leaders wrote to the Home Secretary Sajid Javid urging the UK Government to offer asylum to Ms Bibi.

They believe that providing safety would reinforce the UK’s “continuing commitment to freedom of religion and belief.”