RULES BROKEN BY LOCAL MP
Rutherglen MP travelled across border with coronavirus
NICOLA Sturgeon has called an SNP MP’s actions “utterly indefensible” after it transpired she had travelled over the Border twice with Covid- 19.
Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Margaret Ferrier was last night suspended by the party and had referred herself to the police after she admitted the breaches.
Despite experiencing symptoms of the virus, she took a train from Scotland to London. The MP then tested positive and made the return journey – again by train.
She has presented the matter to the parliamentary standards authority and will now sit as an independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
The First Minister took to Twitter last night to condemn Ferrier’s actions, writing: “This is utterly indefensible. It’s hard to express just how angry I feel on behalf of people across the country making hard sacrifices every day to help beat Covid.
“The rules apply to everyone and they’re in place to keep people safe. Ian Blackford is right to suspend the whip.”
Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, tweeted: “I have spoken with Margaret Ferrier this evening who fully accepts that what she did was wrong. Margaret will be referring herself to the parliamentary standards commissioner as well as the police. I am tonight suspending the whip from Margaret.”
Ferrier earlier issued an apology, acknowledging that she had breached the self- isolation rules and that there was “no excuse” for her actions. In a statement, she said: “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 my mistake.
“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 I have notified the House of Commons authorities who have spoken with Public Health England. 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 I 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.”
The MP delivered a four- minute speech to the Commons chamber on Monday during a general debate on Covid- 19. She rose to her feet at approximately 7.15pm.
Labour MP Ian Murray said: “This is astonishing recklessness from an SNP MP which has put people’s health at risk.
“Through her irresponsible actions she very possibly has passed on the virus to a vulnerable person, who may now have Covid- 19 and be in danger. She has put passengers, rail staff, fellow MPs, Commons staff and many others at unacceptable risk. To breach the rules twice is simply unforgivable and has undermined all the sacrifices made by her constituents.”
Referring to when Ferrier was vocal about similar rule breaches by senior UK Government adviser Dominic Cummings, Tory MSP Graham Simpson said: “Margaret Ferrier should listen to her own words, do the right thing and resign.”
LibDem health spokesman Alex Cole- Hamilton said: “She has undoubtedly put lives at risk. This was cripplingly selfish.”