Met to take no further action against Margaret Ferrier

No further action is to be taken against Margaret Ferrier by the London Metropolitan Police for her decision to travel from London to Glasgow after testing positive for COVID-19. 

After receiving legal advice, the Met concluded that Ferrier had not breached regulations which require people to self-isolate after testing positive because her test took place before the law came into effect. 

But the matter has now been referred to Police Scotland for “consideration”.

Ferrier is sitting as an independent MP after being suspended by the SNP. 

Senior party figures including the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have called on her to step down.

But Ferrier has not indicated that she intends to do so and has continued to take part in Commons business by casting a vote by proxy on Monday. 

The investigation into her behaviour was launched after the MP told the police and House of Commons authorities of her journey by public transport in late September. 

Coronavirus regulations which came into force on 29 September made it a criminal offence for anyone who had tested positive for COVID to leave self-isolation in England without reasonable excuse, which could involve fines of up to £10,000.

Ferrier travelled back to Scotland on the morning of the 29th after receiving her positive result, but as her test at home on Saturday 26 September predates the regulations coming into force, they do not apply.

In a statement, the Met said: “Officers considered possible offences including those under Reg. 11(2) of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 which relates to self-isolation requirements.

“However, on detailed examination of this new legislation, and following legal advice, it was concluded that this regulation is applicable only after 28 September 2020. In this case the test occurred prior to 29 September 2020 and therefore the regulation does not apply.

“As such, there will be no further action in relation to this investigation from the Metropolitan Police. We are in liaison with Police Scotland and have referred the matter to them for consideration.

“We continue to urge everyone to abide by all legislation and any relevant guidelines to help protect themselves and others.”