Sheppey witch Charlotte Clark has accepted Nicola Sturgeon's apology for deaths more than 450 years ago but has asked "Why now?"

Speaking on a live TV debate, Charlotte, 58, said: "I am happy this has happened. It lays a lot of things to rest. But it's been a long time coming. I am curious about why now?"

Scotland's First Minister said sorry for the "egregious historic injustices" of the 1563 Witchcraft Act and extended a "formal, posthumous apology" to all those who had been "accused, convicted, vilified or executed."

The Scottish parliament passed the act on June 4, 1563. Few laws have had such a deadly consequence leading to the execution of up to 2,000 alleged witches over the next 150 years. Some were burned at the stake, others were drowned after being strapped screaming to ducking stools and held under water.

The result was easy. If they survived, then they had miracle powers and so could be killed for being a witch. If they died, then unfortunately they had been innocent.

Charlotte, wearing her favourite witches hat festooned with flowers, was patched into a GB News discussion chaired by presenter Dan Wootton from her home in Minster. Also on the panel was Christine Hamilton.

Mrs Hamilton said: "Nobody sensible would defend what went on with the burning of witches 400-500 years ago. It was horrendous. Women, it was mostly women, were treated in an appalling, unfair and despicable fashion, tortured and killed.

"But for Nicola Sturgeon now, on possibly the verge of World War Three, to think this is something to waste parliamentary time on, is meaningless. It is virtue signalling and a totally symbolic gesture."

Charlotte added: "I agree there are more worrying things going on in the world with maternity hospitals being bombed. I am also lighting candles for peace to help everyone.

"But 300 years ago, witches were being hanged, burned and dunked in water, in some cases just for being beautiful. Even where I live, there's a place called Dancing Dolly Hill where witches were hanged.

"Maybe she has chosen the wrong moment but I still feel it is a good gesture."