NICOLA Sturgeon has been reported to the UK Statistics Authority over claims she "seriously twisted" Covid figures.
The First Minister said on Thursday figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed infections were more than 20% higher in England than in Scotland.
But the ONS reported one in 20 people were infected in both Scotland and England in the week ending January 15.
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In that time period the average percentage of people Covid-19 in Scotland was 4.49% compared with 5.47% in England.
In a letter to David Norgrove, the chair of the UK Statistics Authority, Rennie wrote: “The public have a right to always expect the Scottish Government’s interpretation of data to be robust.
"This is even more important when that data is being used to justify and substantiate restrictions on their liberty and freedoms under the use of emergency powers.
“Parliament has granted powers to ministers that would not be countenanced in any other circumstances so scrutiny of how they are used is essential.
“Public confidence in these statistics must not be put at risk. There must be no bias, spin or manipulation.
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"However, I am concerned that these statistics may have been seriously twisted.
“I would be grateful if you could advise on whether the ONS statistics should have been portrayed in this way and whether the First Minister should continue to report statistics in this manner.”
The Scottish Government was approached for comment.
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