NICOLA Sturgeon has labelled the actions of the SNP MP who travelled on public transport from London to Scotland while Covid-positive "utterly indefensible".
Margaret Ferrier announced on Twitter this evening that she had taken the train from the UK capital back to Scotland despite having received a positive result to her coronavirus test.
She had also travelled from Scotland to London on Monday having taken the test, although her results had not yet been returned.
READ MORE: SNP MP suspended after travelling from London to Scotland while Covid-positive
Now, the First Minister has taken to Twitter to condemn the MP's actions.
Sturgeon wrote: "This is utterly indefensible.
"It’s hard to express just how angry I feel on behalf of people across the country making hard sacrifices every day to help beat Covid.
"The rules apply to everyone and they’re in place to keep people safe. Ian Blackford is right to suspend the whip."
This is utterly indefensible. It’s hard to express just how angry I feel on behalf of people across the country making hard sacrifices every day to help beat COVID. The rules apply to everyone and they’re in place to keep people safe. @Ianblackford_MP is right to suspend the whip https://t.co/9rgWpPKrOe
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 1, 2020
Blackford, the leader of the SNP Westminster group, had previously suspended the whip from Ferrier.
Announcing his decision on Twitter, Blackford wrote: "I have spoken with Margaret Ferrier this evening who fully accepts that what she did was wrong.
"Margaret will be referring herself to the parliamentary standards commissioner as well as the police.
"I am tonight suspending the whip from Margaret."
A sitting MP cannot be sacked, they have to resign. If the SNP remove the whip from Ferrier permanently then she will have the option to sit as an independent until the next General Election.
Other members of the SNP have also expressed their frustration and disappointment.
Kevin Stewart, the Scottish Housing Minister and SNP MSP, said: "After a very busy and productive day, I have made the mistake of looking at social media and garnering Twitter news. Mood setting now - RAGING"
After a very busy and productive day, I have made the mistake of looking at social media and garnering Twitter news. Mood setting now - RAGING
— Kevin Stewart MSP (@KevinStewartSNP) October 1, 2020
Humza Yousaf, the Justice Secretary, wrote: "So angry and disappointed in Margaret, someone I consider a friend.
"However, being a friend or opponent in this regard is irrelevant. Her actions were utterly reckless.
"Police enforcement is of course an operational matter, but I support any action Police deem necessary."
Stephen Flynn, who represents Aberdeen South for the SNP at Westminster, said: "Like everyone I am beyond livid. Absolutely the right decision to suspend the whip."
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