Ferrier arrested over virus ‘breach’
SCOTTISH MP Margaret Ferrier has been arrested and charged following an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.
The 60-year-old apologised last year after she admitting using public transport while infected with Covid-19.
She said her actions in September had been a ‘blip’ and were out of character.
However, Miss Ferrier was suspended from the SNP group at Westminster – with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urging her to quit as an MP.
Yesterday, Police Scotland confirmed she had been charged in connection with ‘alleged culpable and reckless conduct’.
‘Investigation by Police Scotland’
The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP travelled to Westminster in London while awaiting test results after developing mild symptoms.
She travelled home on a public train service after receiving a positive test result on Monday, September 28. On the same day she gave a speech in the House of Commons on coronavirus.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘We can confirm that officers today arrested and charged a 60-yearold 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.’
Miss Ferrier is not being held in custody and returned to her home last night.
The MP has been charged with a common law offence in Scotland after allegedly failing to comply with social distancing and travel regulations. The Metropolitan Police initially launched an investigation into the incident .
However, it concluded that no criminal offence had taken place under the laws in force when she was in London.
Despite pressure to resign her seat, Miss Ferrier is now an independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West and has insisted she will not stand down.
Since being ousted from the SNP Westminster group, Miss Ferrier has accused the party of being ‘ pushy’ in f o r c i ng her to apologise.
Speaking at the time, Miss Ferrier said: ‘I just felt it was very pushy. You’ve just been told you have Covid. You’re stressed, with a lot of things going through your mind. You’re wanting somebody to help you.’
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 Miss Ferrier’s constituency in October.
An SNP spokesman said: ‘Miss Ferrier r emains s uspended from the SNP and we will not comment f urther on l i ve police proceedings.’