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A MP apologized for traveling to London to discuss the coronavirus response in parliament after experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 before testing positive and returning to Scotland.
The SNP suspended Margaret Ferrier after she acknowledged Thursday that “there is no excuse for my actions” and said she had reported to police after revealing her positive journey with the virus.
Party leader Nicola Sturgeon condemned the “absolutely indefensible” behavior amid calls for the MP to leave.
Ferrier said he underwent a test Saturday afternoon after experiencing “mild symptoms,” meaning he should have isolated himself before traveling by train to London on Monday.
“This was wrong, and I am very sorry for my mistake,” the Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP said.
Ferrier spoke at the coronavirus debate in the House of Commons on Monday and, according to his account, tested positive for Covid-19 that night.
“I traveled home by train on Tuesday morning without asking for advice. This was wrong too and I’m sorry, ”he said.
“I’ve been isolating myself at home ever since.”
The MP said that she had informed the test and trace system and Commons authorities and that she had “notified the police of my actions”, and that the Scottish Police said they were in contact with the Metropolitan Police.
“Despite feeling good, I should have isolated myself while waiting for my test result, and I deeply regret my actions,” Ferrier said.
“I take full responsibility and would urge everyone not to make the same mistakes as me, and to do everything possible to help limit the spread of Covid-19.”
Ian Blackford, leader of the SNP in Westminster, said he would suspend the whip of Ms Ferrier after speaking to the MP.
Sturgeon welcomed the move, adding: “It is difficult to express how angry I feel on behalf of people across the country who make great sacrifices every day to help defeat Covid. The rules apply to everyone and are in place to keep people safe. “
Scottish Shadow Secretary Ian Murray said Ferrier had put passengers, railway staff, MPs and Commons staff “at unacceptable risk.”
“Breaking the rules twice is simply unforgivable and has undermined all the sacrifices made by your constituents,” added the Labor MP.
Criticism of Cummings
Ferrier previously asked the government to investigate Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s senior adviser, for possible rule violations during his trip to Durham.
He criticized the prime minister for backing his aid and accused Cummings of “undermining public confidence in the lockdown rules.”
On Monday, Ms Ferrier delivered a four-minute speech in the Commons beginning at 7.15pm and focused on the “economic health” of her constituents, calling for increased financial support.
The Aslef train conductors union said: “For a deputy to get on a train knowing that he has Covid-19 is dangerous and shameful.”
Ruth Davidson, the conservative leader at Holyrood, said: “This Margaret Ferrier case is different – knowingly taking public transportation after testing positive for Covid-19 is putting lives at risk.
“She has to go.”
The Glasgow-born politician (60) first entered parliament in 2015 by taking the South Lanarkshire seat of the Labor Party. He lost in 2017 but won the constituency in last year’s snap elections.
A Scottish Police spokesman said: “We are aware of the circumstances and are in contact with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service.”
The Commons confirmed that he had informed parliamentary authorities of his diagnosis.
“We have closely followed public health guidelines on actions to take following a confirmed case of Covid on the site,” a spokesperson said. – PA
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