After being instructed to self-isolate, MP Margaret Ferrier admitted to breaking Covid regulations by taking a train from Scotland to London.
The 61-year-old former SNP MP travelled from Glasgow to Westminster and returned while battling Covid between September 27 and September 29, 2020.
While awaiting the results of a coronavirus test, she travelled to the House of Commons; after learning she had the virus, she then travelled back.
Ms. Ferrier, an independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, admitted today in a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court that she visited various locations in the Glasgow region and London despite being instructed to self-isolate, knowingly exposing people “to the risk of infection, illness, and death.”
She spent the night at a hotel in London before returning the next day to Glasgow, where she later went to various locations such a mass in St. Mungo’s church and a pub in Prestwick, Ayrshire. At the period, Scotland was subject to severe directives.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has revealed information suggesting she claimed £175 in expenses for the overnight stay.
Her application, which complies with parliamentary regulations, indicates that she first paid £525 for her stay on September 28 but received a refund of £350 the next day for the cost of the two additional nights.
After the accusations surfaced in 2020, she pulled the SNP whip and has faced calls to resign from her position, although she is still an MP.
Following an inquiry, the Metropolitan Police said in October 2020 that it would take “no further action” against the MP.
She now pleaded guilty to the allegation of culpable and reckless behaviour that Police Scotland later filed against her.
Ferrier scheduled a test on the afternoon of September 26, 2020, according to testimony given in court.
In her application, she claimed that the “cough” she had that day was a “symptom,” and she subsequently went to a test centre.
According to prosecutor Mark Allan, Ferrier failed to segregate while awaiting the results of her test. The actions amounted to a careless disregard for the welfare of the people.
Ferrier reportedly attended a noon service at St. Mungo’s parish church, where she read to the 45 members there.
Measures for social seclusion were in place, and Ferrier covered her face when she was silent.
After that, Ferrier went to Vic’s Bar in Prestwick, where she remained for 2.5 hours.
After Ferrier tested positive the next day, according to the media, Mr. Allan stated: “The general manager was worried about the health of her workers and clients as well as the effect on the company in tough times for the hospitality sector.”
The next day, Ferrier travelled in a cab for 10 to 15 minutes from her house in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, to Glasgow Central station.
Before boarding a train to London Euston that had 183 passengers on board, the politician went inside a Marks & Spencer at the station.
Prior to entering the Houses of Parliament at 7:15 p.m., Ferrier booked into the Park Plaza Hotel near Westminster Bridge.
She talked in the Commons chamber where social distance was in effect, and apart from when she spoke, she was wearing a face mask, according to Mr. Allan.
Ferrier and DUP MP Jim Shannon had a 20-minute conversation while sitting at a table generally reserved for SNP members.
Alan said: “At 8:03 p.m., texts and emails informed the test’s participants of a favourable outcome.
“She visited the SNP whips’ office and chatted with Patrick Grady MP, who was then the chief whip.
She told Mr. Grady that she would leave for Scotland at dawn.
At 9.20 p.m., Ferrier made her way back to her hotel, where she slept the night before returning to London Euston.
The train could accommodate 153 people at its peak period, the court was informed.
NHS Test and Protect’s contact tracers made four unsuccessful attempts to get in touch with Ferrier, leaving two voicemails in the process.
Later, Ferrier got in touch with Test and Protect and said that the day before her test, she had a “slight and intermittent cough.”
She said that she did not think she would be optimistic, Mr. Allan continued.
When she tested positive, Ferrier immediately let Mr. Grady and the Parliamentary Test and Trace agency know.
Because of this, Mr. Shannon was told to take a test and stay in isolation in his hotel room; he subsequently had a negative result.
The next day, during a meeting in the Speaker’s office of the Commons, Mr. Grady was informed that Ferrier’s activities needed to be reported to the police.
Before posting a message on her social media, Ferrier called the police and reported her violation.
Despite feeling OK, she said, “I should have secluded myself while awaiting the results of my test, and I really regret my conduct.”
I accept full responsibility and urge everyone to avoid the same errors I did and take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Police Scotland was given control of the Metropolitan Police’s first inquiry.
According to Dr. Andrew Riley, a public health specialist, Ferrier “substantially elevated the potential of injury to both individual and public health.” Riley said this to the police.
On January 4, 2020, Ferrier turned herself in to the police, where she was taken into custody.
Defense attorney Brian McConnachie QC withheld his plea of good faith.
Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull delayed the sentence awaiting the results of the background checks until the following month.