SNP MP Margaret Ferrier pleads guilty to breaking Covid rules

MP Margaret Ferrier has pleaded guilty to breaching Covid rules by travelling on a train between Scotland and London after being told to self-isolate.

The former SNP MP, 61, travelled from Glasgow to Westminster and back again while suffering with Covid in September 2020.

She travelled to the House of Commons while waiting for the results of a coronavirus test – and then made the return journey after being informed she had the virus.

In a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court today Ms Ferrier, an independent MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, admitted wilfully exposing people ‘to the risk of infection, illness and death’ by visiting various places in the Glasgow area and London having been told to self-isolate.

She also visited a gym, shops and a beauty salon on the day she became ill. 

It comes after it emerged that she claimed £175 in expenses for the overnight stay, according to data released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. 

Her claim, which is within parliamentary rules, shows her paying £525 originally for the September 28 stay, but there is a refund of £350 the next day – for the cost of the two remaining nights. 

She had the SNP whip removed in 2020 after the allegations emerged and has come under pressure to resign from her seat, but remains an MP.

Margaret Ferrier (pictured) travelled from Glasgow to Westminster and back again in September 2020 while suffering with Covid

Ferrier pictured outside Glasgow Sheriff Court last year after appearing charged with reckless conduct

In October 2020, the Metropolitan Police said it would take ‘no further action’ against the MP following an investigation. 

However, Police Scotland subsequently charged her with culpable and reckless conduct – which she today admitted.