Police make further inquiries into Margaret Ferrier’s alleged Covid-19 breach
18 November 2020, 20:35 | Updated: 18 November 2020, 20:37
Police are carrying out further inquiries into an alleged breach of coronavirus rules by the MP Margaret Ferrier.
The MP for Hamilton and Rutherglen sparked outcry in September with a trip across the country from Glasgow to the House of Commons while awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test, and a return journey after being informed she had the virus.
She was suspended from the Scottish National Party and had the whip removed after she admitted the trip, but has not faced any police action.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: “We have submitted an initial assessment of the circumstances to (the) Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and are carrying out further inquiries under their direction.”
Read more: Scotland Yard to take no further action against Ferrier over train trip
Read more: Ferrier should resign after 'jaw-dropping' behaviour, says Keir Starmer
The Crown Office declined to comment.
Margaret Ferrier MP should resign after travelling with Covid
It comes after the Metropolitan Police confirmed last month they would take “no further action” against the MP after an investigation.
The force said regulations under which Ms Ferrier could have been punished were not in effect when she travelled.
Despite facing pressure to resign her seat, Ms Ferrier is now an independent MP for Hamilton and Rutherglen and asked a question remotely at PMQs on Wednesday.
In a statement on 15 October, Scotland Yard said the matter had been referred to Police Scotland for consideration because the MP’s coronavirus test occurred before 29 September, when new regulations came into effect that could have resulted in a £10,000 fine being levied against her.
At that time, Police Scotland said they were aware of the decision by the Metropolitan Police and would “now assess the circumstances and consult with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service before taking a decision on next steps”.
Read more: Ferrier says 700 mile train journey with Covid was a 'blip'
Read more: 'I don't want an apology, I want a resignation', Ferrier consituent says
"I can't see how SNP MP Margaret Ferrier can carry on"
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are among those who have called on the MP to stand down.
In an interview with The Scottish Sun last month, Ms Ferrier said she felt she was “hung out to dry” by the SNP, which withdrew the whip from her one hour after she released a statement detailing her actions.
She also said she had no intention of standing down.
