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A SCOTTISH MP has apologised for travelling to London to debate the coronavirus response in Parliament after experiencing Covid-19 symptoms before testing positive and returning to Scotland.
The SNP’s Margaret Ferrier acknowledged that “there is no excuse for my actions” after revealing her journey while positive with the virus.
She said she took a test on Saturday afternoon after experiencing “mild symptoms”, meaning she should have self-isolated, before travelling by train to London on Monday.
“This was wrong, and I am very sorry for my mistake,” the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West said.
Ferrier spoke in the coronavirus debate in the House of Commons on Monday and, by her account, tested positive for Covid-19 that evening.
“I travelled home by train on Tuesday morning without seeking advice. This was also wrong and I am sorry,” she said.
“I have been self-isolating at home ever since.”
The MP said she has “notified the police of my actions” and has informed the test and trace system and the Commons authorities.
“Despite feeling well, I should have self-isolated while waiting for my test result, and I deeply regret my actions,” she said.
“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.”
Shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray called on SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to condemn the MP’s actions and pursue disciplinary measures against her for having acted with “astonishing recklessness”.
“She has put passengers, rail staff, fellow MPs, Commons staff and many others at unacceptable risk,” the Labour MP said.
“To breach the rules twice is simply unforgivable, and has undermined all the sacrifices made by her constituents.
“Nicola Sturgeon must come out and condemn her MP’s actions and tell the Scottish people what disciplinary action she will be taking. There cannot be one rule for Margaret Ferrier, another for everybody else.”
Ferrier previously called on the Government to investigate Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s chief adviser, for potential breaches of the rules over his trip to Durham.
She criticised the UK Prime Minister for standing by his aid, and accused Cummings of “undermining public trust in lockdown rules”.
On Monday, Ms Ferrier gave a four-minute speech in the Commons from 7.15pm and focused on the “economic health” of her constituents, calling for greater financial support.
The Commons confirmed she had informed parliamentary authorities of her diagnosis.
“We have closely followed public health guidance on the action to take following a confirmed case of Covid on site,” a spokesman said.
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Has to resign, as Cummings should have. Complete and utter shambles.
@Argo Sachel: mad yoke!!
Was she that excited about getting to speak in the commons that she risked her job, she knew she had Covid before she travelled and then to travel back on the train after getting positive result is criminal. Very quick to criticize the government for backing David Cummings when he broke lock down rules, her position is no longer tenable.
@Brianán McBride: she didn’t know she had it. She had been tested but not confirmed. Still a dope
@ChuckE: she got tested on the Saturday as she had Covid symptoms, she had a very good idea she had it. Very irresponsible to not self isolate while waiting for her results.
@ChuckE: she tested positive before returning back to Scotland
Not a mistake but yet another person who thinks restrictions and guidelines don’t apply. Resign or hopefully be sacked
It literally defies belief!!
What I the name of god can experts do to control a pandemic when you have this level of just blatant I’m different to the rules ! Even at highly paid levels like this . In a pandemic apologies are too little too late . She was on a train !
I’m so so terribly sorry I got caught.
How is it possible that she thought it was Ok???? She needs an IQ test not a Covid test
@Dave Phelan: Castleknock college
@Dave Phelan: If she can’t be trusted to make a good judgement on something like this, then she’s clearly demonstrated that she has no business being involved in a system of democracy, making decisions for the rest of us.
My god, there are no words
The most important thing is she got to claim the mileage
@Padraic O Sullivan: I think she claimed 500 miles and then claimed 500 more.
@Alex Marquis: hahahaa yes mate comment of the year for me
We’re all in this together
You couldn’t make it up, some people are unbelievably irresponsible. Then again we’ve a good few in high positions over here that didn’t cover themselves in glory either.
Let’s just be honest here. Not many people want the hassle of self-isolating, so they don’t. And then they get caught and they are all apologies. I would have a small bit of respect for them if they just admitted they don’t want to, instead of sneaking around, putting people at risk and pretending to be sorry when caught.
You couldn’t make it up!!!
Highly irresponsible and selfish behavior.
Travelling to parliament to avoid the dentist
We would all do it. Dont pretend you wouldnt. You dont get paid to isolate so yeah. This is why only 18% of those testing positive are isolating.
@Maalouf: Sorry bud – I’ve more self respect for myself to behave like that.
Who cares, this is Ireland
@Pat Andrews: HUP THE COUNTY
She didn’t get it from her dentist.
All the misogynists out in force, this stunning and brave woman did nothing wrong.
Zero brain cells!
Unbelievable!! Some times I do wonder
Unbelievable!!
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