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MP who attended church service after developing Covid symptoms charged

by Press Association


MP Margaret Ferrier has been arrested and charged after an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.

The 60-year-old had the SNP whip removed last year after it emerged she made a trip from Glasgow to the House of Commons while waiting for results of a Covid-19 test - and a return journey after being informed she had the virus.

Police Scotland on Monday confirmed a 60-year-old woman, understood to be Ferrier, had been arrested and charged in connection with alleged culpable and reckless conduct.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "We can confirm that officers today arrested and charged a 60-year-old woman in connection with alleged culpable and reckless conduct.

"This follows a thorough investigation by Police Scotland into an alleged breach of coronavirus regulations between 26 and 29 September 2020.

"A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal and we are unable to comment further."

In October the Metropolitan Police said they would take "no further action" against the MP following an investigation.

The Daily Record newspaper reports that Ms Ferrier attended a Mass at St Mungo’s Church in Townhead, Glasgow on Sunday 27th September.

She is said to have given a gospel reading from the altar.

Back then, the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: “For the good of the whole community, it is important that anyone who is required to self-isolate does so in accordance with the Government’s guidance, so anyone in that situation should not attend mass.

“It is disappointing if this has not happened but we would like to reassure people that we fulfil all the Government and church guidelines.”

The church’s website states public mass is limited to 50 people and those who are shielding, self-isolating or feel unwell should not not attend.

Ms Ferrier also gave a four-minute speech in the House of Commons during a debate on coronavirus on Monday 28th September.

She also told a national newspaper in October she felt "hung out to dry" by the SNP which withdrew the whip from her an hour after she released a statement about the incident.

Despite pressure to resign her seat, Ms Ferrier is now an independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.

Scottish Labour launched an online petition calling for her to quit as an MP while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hosted a virtual meeting with residents in Ms Ferrier's constituency in early October.

An SNP spokesman said: "Ms Ferrier remains suspended from the SNP and we will not comment further on live police proceedings."

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