MP charged over alleged Covid rules breach
MP Margaret Ferrier has been arrested and charged after an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.
The 60-year-old had the SNP whip removed after last year it emerged she made a trip from Glasgow to the House of Commons while waiting for results of a Covid-19 test — and a return journey after being informed she had the virus.
Police Scotland yesterday confirmed a 60-year-old woman, understood to be Ferrier, had been arrested and charged in connection with alleged culpable and reckless conduct.
A spokeswoman said: “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.”
In October the Metropolitan Police said they would take “no further action” against the MP following an investigation.
Ms Ferrier gave a four-minute speech in the House of Commons during a debate on coronavirus on September 28.
She also told a national newspaper in October she felt “hung out to dry” by the SNP which withdrew the whip from her.
Despite pressure to resign her seat, Ms Ferrier is now an independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
Scottish Labour launched an online petition calling for her to quit as an MP while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hosted a virtual meeting with residents in Ms Ferrier’s constituency in early October.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “I hope her arrest leads her to reconsider this arrogant position, and the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West get the opportunity to return an MP who puts their interests first.”
An SNP spokesman said: “Ms Ferrier remains suspended from the SNP and we will not comment further.”