Nicola Sturgeon has condemned her SNP colleague for breaking coronavirus rules and potentially putting lives at risk.
The Scottish First Minister spoke out after Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Margaret Ferrier admitted taking a train from Glasgow to London after showing symptoms, then speaking in a Westminster debate before travelling back by train after a positive coronavirus result.
Now Ferrier has confessed 'there is no excuse for my actions' with the MP being suspended by the whip.
Sturgeon tweeted: "This is utterly indefensible. 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. Ian Blackford is right to suspend the whip."
Earlier, Ferrier admitted: "On Saturday afternoon, after experiencing mild symptoms, I requested a Covid-19 test which I took that day. Feeling much better, I then travelled to London by train on Monday to attend Parliament as planned. This was wrong and I am very sorry for my mistake.
"On Monday evening I received a positive test result for Covid-19. 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 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 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."
Ferrier was speaking at a debate on Covid-19 while knowing she should be self-isolating.
An hour after the statement on social media, SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford announced Ferrier was suspended.
"I have spoken with Margaret Ferrier this evening who fully accepts that what she did was wrong," he revealed.
"Margaret will be referring herself to the parliamentary standards commissioner as well as the police. I am tonight suspending the whip from Margaret."
