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A minister has apologised after she went to debate in Parliament after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
SNP‘s Margaret Ferrier has since tested positive for Covid-19 after she travelled from Scotland to London.
Ms Ferrier delivered a four-minute speech to the Commons chamber on Monday before receiving the results of her coronavirus test.
The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West acknowledged on Thursday that “there is no excuse for my actions” after revealing her journey while positive with the virus.
She said she took a test on Saturday afternoon after experiencing “mild symptoms”, meaning she should have self-isolated, before travelling by train to London on Monday.
“This was wrong, and I am very sorry for my mistake,” said Ms Ferrier.
Ms Ferrier spoke in the coronavirus debate in the House of Commons on Monday and, by her account, tested positive for Covid-19 that evening.
“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,” she said.
The MP said she has “notified the police of my actions” and has informed the test and trace system and the Commons authorities.
“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,” she said.
Monica Lennon, a Labour MSP for the same region Ms Ferrier represents, took to Twitter to express her shock that Ms Ferrier “put the health of colleagues, rail staff and the public at risk”.
Tory MP Alicia Kearns said it was “unforgivable” Ms Ferrier waited three days to tell MPs she had tested positive for the virus.
She tweeted: “The number of people who have been put at risk, MPs and staff in Parliament and their families, and all those on public transport, and those who everyone has since engaged with.
“It’s utterly shameful, and to wait three more days to tell anyone is unforgivable.
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