Former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier Has Been Arrested Over An Alleged Covid Rule Breach
The MP was suspended from the SNP late last year
2 min read
The Scottish MP has been charged with alleged culpable and reckless conduct after she was accused of breaching coronavirus regulations last year.
The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP has been arrested and charged after she was accused of travelling by train between London and Glasgow in September following a positive test for the virus.
Ms Ferrier had the SNP whip suspended after she admitted taking part in Commons debates and travelling to London last year, despite waiting on a Covid-19 test result.
After being informed she had tested positive for the virus, Ms Ferrier travelled home by train to her home near Glasgow, later admitting she had visited a number of businesses in her constituency on the same day she took the test.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm that officers today arrested and charged a 60-year-old woman in connection with alleged culpable and reckless conduct.
"This follows a thorough investigation by Police Scotland into an alleged breach of coronavirus regulations between 26 and 29 September 2020.
"A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal and we are unable to comment further."
Ms Ferrier has so far resisted calls to step down as an MP following the rule breach despite pressure from Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
It comes after the Metropolitan police also investigated the incident but concluded no offence had taken place under the rules in place during the travel period.
Speaking at the time of the incident, Ms Ferrier had said in a statement: "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. This was wrong and I am very sorry for the mistake.
"On Monday evening I received a positive test result for Covid-19. I travelled home by train on Tuesday morning by train without seeking advice. This was also wrong, and I am sorry. I have been self-isolating at home ever since."
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