Scottish police arrest lawmaker in Covid-19 rules case

Margaret Ferrier in a screenshot from an online promotional video for the Scottish National Party. SCREENSHOT: YOUTUBE

LONDON (REUTERS) - Scottish police have arrested Margaret Ferrier, a member of Britain's parliament, for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules when she made a long train journey last year after testing positive for the virus.

"We can confirm that officers today arrested and charged a 60-year-old woman in connection with alleged culpable and reckless conduct," a Police Scotland spokeswoman said.

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

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

Ferrier learned that her test was positive at the end of September after she had spoken in Britain's parliament at Westminster.

She has apologised for then taking the train more than 600km back to Scotland.

Her Scottish National Party (SNP) suspended her shortly afterwards.

It is mandatory in England for people to self-isolate if they test positive for the novel coronavirus.

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