TWO police forces are investigating Margaret Ferrier after she took an 800-mile round train trip from Glasgow to London after experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus.
Police Scotland and the Metropolitan Police have launched probes into the MP's actions after she admitted to travelling to London despite having symptoms. She also admitted returning home by train to Scotland after receiving a positive test result.
In an further alleged breach of the regulations designed to contain the spread of the deadly virus, the MP spoke in a debate in the Commons on Monday evening,
The politician had taken a test on Saturday after having 'mild symptoms' but instead of self-isolating as required she travelled from Glasgow to Westminster.
Detectives are now examining 'the circumstances' of her journeys after she admitted to the breach of the rules yesterday.
Ferrier, who is the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, has been suspended from the SNP party while a party probe takes place.
In a statement last night Police Scotland said: "Margaret Ferrier MP contacted Police Scotland earlier today about travelling between London and Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus. We are looking into the circumstances and are liaising with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service."
As well as the police and SNP inquires, Ferrier is also likely to be the subject of an investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner. The MP referred herself to the body last night.
It comes after Ferrier said 'there is no excuse for my actions' on social media only to be met with a fierce backlash as users called for her to be sacked.
In a statement the MP said: "I apologise unreservedly for breaching Covid-19 restrictions by travelling this week when I shouldn't have.
"There is no excuse for my actions.
"On Saturday afternoon, after experiencing mild symptoms, I requested a Covid-19 test which I took that day.
"Feeling much better, I then travelled to London by train on Monday to attend Parliament as planned.
"On Monday evening I received a positive test result for Covid-19.
"I travelled home by train on Tuesday morning without seeking advice.This was also wrong and I am sorry.
"I have been self isolating at home ever since. "I have used Test and Protect and notified the House of Commons authorities who have spoken with Public Health England.
"This was wrong and I am very sorry for my mistake. I have also notified the police of my actions.
"Despite feeling well, I should have self-isolated while waiting for my test result, and I deeply regret my actions. I take full responsibility and would urge everyone not to make the same mistakes that I have, and do all they can to help limit the spread of Covid-19."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon branded Ferrier's actions as 'utterly indefensible' and said 'it’s hard to express just how angry I feel.'
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel