Coronavirus: 'Astonishing recklessness': MP suspended for taking train despite knowing she had COVID-19

The SNP's Margaret Ferrier originally travelled down to London and attended Parliament while waiting for her test result.

She said there was "no excuse for my actions" and "I apologise unreservedly for breaching COVID-19 restrictions by travelling this week when I shouldn't have".

Ian Blackford, the party's Westminster leader, said he has suspended Ms Ferrier, who has agreed to refer herself to the parliamentary standards commissioner and the police.

SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her actions were "utterly indefensible".

She added: "It's hard to express just how angry I feel on behalf of people across the country making hard sacrifices every day to help beat COVID. The rules apply to everyone and they're in place to keep people safe."

In a statement, the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West said she took a coronavirus test on Saturday, having experienced mild symptoms that day.

"Feeling much better, I then travelled to London by train on Monday to attend Parliament as planned," she said.

"This was wrong, and I am very sorry for my mistake."

On Monday, Ms Ferrier spoke in the coronavirus debate in the Commons, the evening she says she tested positive.

Her statement continued: "I travelled home by train on Tuesday morning without seeking advice.

"This was also wrong and I am sorry. I have been self-isolating at home ever since.

"I have used Test and Protect and I have notified the House of Commons authorities who have spoken with Public Health England. I have also notified the police of my actions.

"Despite feeling well, I should have self-isolated while waiting for my test result, and I deeply regret my actions.

"I take full responsibility and I would urge everyone not to make the same mistakes that I have, and do all they can to help limit the spread of COVID-19."

A Commons spokesman said Ms Ferrier told the SNP whip about her positive test on Wednesday afternoon.

"The Speaker was informed and the House authorities immediately took all necessary steps in line with their legal obligations and PHE guidance," they said.

"On the basis of the information supplied to the contact-tracing system, only one individual has been identified as a close contact in relation to this case and is now self-isolating."

Ms Ferrier called for Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson's senior adviser, to resign after it was revealed he travelled more than 200 miles to County Durham from London at the height of lockdown.

"Dominic Cummings' actions have undermined the sacrifices that we have all been making in lockdown to protect each other from coronavirus. His position is untenable and he must be removed from his post now," she told the Daily Record at the time.

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She added: "The public health advice is crystal clear. For the safety of others, anyone with coronavirus symptoms must self-isolate, in line with government guidance. They should not leave the house for any reason."

Labour's shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray said her "astonishing recklessness" had "put people's health at risk", while MSP and former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said "she has to go".

Train drivers' union Aslef said: "We've worked day in, day out to keep our railway as safe as possible for passengers and staff. For an MP to get on a train knowing she has COVID-19 is both dangerous and disgraceful."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of the circumstances and are liaising with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service."