The Scottish MP who travelled from
London to
Scotland after testing positive for
Coronavirus will face no action from the Met
police because the regulations on self-isolation came in after she was tested.
Scotland Yard detectives had been investigating Margaret Ferrier’s account of taking a train between London and Glasgow despite her positive test, but announced the case was closed on Thursday.
But the Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP could still face action from Police Scotland, who tweeted they were aware of developments and were awaiting a decision on “next steps”.
She had travelled down to London despite experiencing coronavirus symptoms.Margaret Ferrier MP update: We are aware of the decision by @metpoliceuk. We will now assess the circumstances and consult with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service before taking a decision on next steps.— Police Scotland (@policescotland) October 15, 2020The Met said in a statement: “Detectives tested the MP’s account including obtaining and reviewing CCTV and undertaking inquiries to establish the dates of the tests, results and travel arrangements.
“Officers considered possible offences including those under Reg 11(2) of the Health Protection Regulations 2020 which relates to self-isolation requirement.
“However, on detailed examination of this new legislation, and following legal advice, it was concluded that this regulation is applicable only after the 28th September 2020.
“In this case the test occurred prior to the 29th September 2020 and therefore the regulation does not apply.”
Ferrier has refused to resign over the incident, arguing the virus meant she was “not thinking straight”.in an interview with The Scottish Sun on Sunday, the MP, who has had the SNP whip withdrawn over the saga, said she had no intention of standing down.
“This has been an awful experience but I’ll keep fighting for my constituents because that’s who I am,” she told the paper.
She added that she has received support locally in the wake of the incident and has “owned up and apologised profusely”, and added: “A lot of people say Covid makes you do things out of character.
“You’re not thinking straight.”Related...
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