THE SNP leader of Edinburgh City Council has called on Richard Leonard to “correct the record urgently” following his FMQs claims about the capital’s Covid restriction level.
Adam McVey tweeted the Scottish Labour leader, telling him the situation is “serious” as “we’re all trying to work as hard as we can to protect public health, businesses and jobs”.
The Scottish Government’s decision to keep Edinburgh in level 3 restrictions has proved controversial, with McVey calling for “urgent” talks with the First Minister after the announcement was made.
It had been hoped that the city could be put into eased level 2 restrictions due to falling numbers of cases, but it was stressed that a “cautious approach” was needed.
READ MORE: Edinburgh Council leader wants ‘urgent’ talks with FM over city's Covid restrictions
Yesterday during FMQs Leonard focused on the city, accusing Nicola Sturgeon of making “political” decisions on Covid restriction levels and claiming this “will deter compliance”.
The Scottish Labour leader was heckled for the comments. Responding, Sturgeon accused him of being “irresponsible” and explained Covid-19 infections and test positivity have been increasing in Edinburgh.
She was concerned easing the rules would lead to a situation with the potential to “run out of control” in a matter of weeks.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon tears into Richard Leonard for 'irresponsible' Covid-19 claims
Writing to Leonard on Twitter, McVey said he was just made aware of the comments this morning.
“You stated in questions to Nicola Sturgeon that John Swinney told me Edinburgh would move to level 2 prior to the Cabinet’s discussion – this isn’t true and I’ve never said that.
“You stated public health officials told me we’d move to level 2 – this isn’t true and I’ve never said.
“As I informed my council yesterday, they (unusually) didn’t give me an indication beforehand of what their recommendation to Cabinet would be. The DFM informed me afterwards.
“You stated my motion at yesterday’s council contained your claims above – it doesn’t, as you can see below.
“Can you correct the record urgently please? This is serious and we’re all trying to work as hard as we can to protect public health, businesses and jobs.”
Speaking in the Parliament yesterday the First Minister explained that in the last seven days the number of cases per 100,000 in Edinburgh has increased by 14%, while test positivity has gone up by 0.5%.
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