U.K. tabloid's 'Legs-it' front page draws sexism complaints

Britain's Daily Mail tabloid has sparked complaints with a front-page photograph focusing on the legs of Prime Minister Theresa May and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The photo of the two leaders published Tuesday displays their legs prominently alongside a headline that read "Never mind Brexit, who won Legs-it!"

May and Sturgeon had met to discuss vital differences in their approach to Britain's exit from the European Union and a possible second Scottish independence referendum that could break up the United Kingdom.

It was their legs, however, that drew the popular tabloid's attention, drawing sexism complaints from some politicians and readers. An inside headline said their "pins" were the finest weapons at their command.

'Get a life,' says paper to critics

The newspaper said in a statement that the piece about the legs was a "lighthearted" sidebar alongside a serious political story, and urged critics to "get a life."

The statement said the Daily Mail often comments on the appearance of male politicians, and asks if there is a rule that all political coverage must be dull.

A spokesperson for Sturgeon said it is "slightly surprising" that when two leaders are discussing such important issues the newspaper's "main focus should be on their legs and what they are wearing."

"The 1950s called and asked for their headline back," tweeted former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband.

Labour's Harriet Harman tweeted: "Moronic! And we are in 2017!"

But British Vogue said the tabloid's latest "sexist headline" should not depress readers.

"Take a moment to consider this," the magazine says on its website.

"Don't these women look magnificent? Don't they, whisper it, look like women, rather than women masquerading as men? Try to take a positive out of this sticky photocall: Here are two of the most powerful women in the world, with the confidence to promote their female sovereignty. All power to them."