Margaret Ferrier arrested over alleged COVID rule breach

Former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier has been arrested and charged with culpable and reckless conduct for allegedly breaking coronavirus regulations.

Ferrier admitted travelling by train between London and Glasgow in September after a positive test for the virus.

The Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP had the SNP whip suspended after she took 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, Ferrier travelled home by train, 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.”

Ferrier has so far resisted calls to step down as an MP following the rule breach despite pressure from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and currently sits as an independent MP.

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, 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.”