NICOLA Sturgeon said she had made “crystal clear” to MP Margaret Ferrier that she should step down as an MP after taking two train trips while Covid-positive.
Speaking at the Scottish Government briefing, the First Minister gave a longer statement on the row over the MP. So far she had published tweets condemning her action and saying she had asked her to resign.
Sturgeon said the Government is looking to run a new campaign on the importance of self-isolating when experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, and has been planning this for several days.
Here’s what she said about the incident during the briefing:
********************************************************
"Now, lastly, I want to stress again how important it is that all of us self-isolate when we are asked to do so. Obviously I can't do that today without first addressing the issue of Margaret Ferrier.
"The SNP MP who travelled by train to London and attended the House of Commons after taking a test when she should've been self-isolating, and who then travelled back to Scotland by train after being told her test was positive.
"Margaret is a friend of mine so everything I'm about to say is obviously with the heaviest of hearts, and of course, I wish her a speedy recovery from Covid.
Nicola Sturgeon and Margaret Ferrier campaigning last year. Photo: PA
"But none of that changes the fact that her actions were reckless, dangerous and completely indefensible. And I feel very angry on behalf of all of you.
"Every single day I stand here and I ask you to make horrendous sacrifices as part of our collective efforts against Covid. And it's really important, whether you agree with me or not, whether you love me or loathe me, that you can have confidence in the advice I give you.
"That means me being clear that the rules apply to everyone, regardless of who you are and regardless of what your political allegiance is.
"Trust me, it's one of the easiest things in the world in politics to call for tough consequences when one of your opponents breaks the rules. That's not hard for any of us. The litmus test is whether you're prepared to do the same when one of your own breaks the rules.
"In these abnormal times, when everybody is being asked to do difficult things, I think that is more important than ever. That's why the SNP whip has been withdrawn from Margaret, and that is the most serious sanction a party can impose on an elected representative.
"I've also spoken to her directly and made crystal clear to her that I think she should now resign as an MP. People contact me and say, 'why don't you just sack her', and this is a point I have to make clear. I don't have the power to force an MP to step down.
READ MORE: Covid in Scotland: 775 new coronavirus cases and four new deaths
"No party leader has that power. But I can make my views known, difficult though it is, and I have done so. And I hope she will come to the right decision, in the interests of the overall integrity of these vital public health messages.
"And I want to emphasise again why it is so important to self-isolate. We're launching a media campaign this evening, which has been planned for several days, to stress the importance of self-isolation.
"Essentially, if you have any one of the symptoms of Covid, you should start to self-isolate immediately and you should book a test. You can do that through the NHS Inform website.
"The symptoms, as a reminder, are a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of or change in your sense of taste or smell.
"When you get your test result, if you test negative, and don't have Covid, you can stop self-isolating at that point. However, if you have Covid, you need to self-isolate for a further 10 days starting from the day on which you took your test.
"If you're identified as a contact of someone with Covid, either by a Test & Protect team or by the app, then you must self-isolate for 14 days."
More to follow
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel