Boris Johnson news – live: EU calls for Brexit talks to ‘intensify’ and Sturgeon urges Covid breach MP to quit
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Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson will hold talks with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday to discuss “next steps” on forging a Brexit trade deal, No 10 has announced.
Ahead of the talks Ms Von der Leyen said Westminster and Brussels were “running out of time” and must “intensify” negotiations.
Meanwhile Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has called on the SNP’s Margaret Ferrier to “do the right thing” and step down as an MP. Ms Ferrier travelled from Scotland to Westminster with Covid symptoms, then headed back on the train following a positive result.
Lindsay Hoyle makes rare public comment on Frier
The speaker of the house Lindsay Hoyle is among those to have told Margaret Ferrier, the formerly SNP MP, to consider resigning after travelling to and from the commons with virus symptoms.
His comments mark an incredibly rare instance of the speaker telling a member of the house to step down in public.
No-deal Brexit ‘the last thing we all collectively need’
Another big voice in Europe has chimed in with calls for the EU and UK to get a Brexit deal done - this time Ireland’s premier Micheal Martin.
"The last thing we all collectively need now is another hit to the economy occasioned by a no-deal Brexit," he said.
"It doesn't make sense and that is the spirit within which people want to approach these negotiations."
"There is a sense whilst there is a mood to engage, no-one is underestimating the task that lies ahead," the Taoiseach added.
Police investigating Ferrier rules breach
The former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier is facing a police investigation after travelling the length of the country with coronavirus symptoms.
In a statement, the force said: "An investigation is under way into reported breaches of the Health Protection Regulations 2020.
"On Thursday, October 1, a Member of Parliament contacted Police Scotland to report she may have breached legislation and guidance relating to Covid-19.
"This related to her actions earlier this week, including a train journey on Tuesday September 29 between London and Glasgow, following a positive Covid-19 test.
"Following consultation with Police Scotland, officers from the Metropolitan Police, working with British Transport Police, are conducting an investigation into potential offences.
"The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has been informed."
Breaking news: Former SNP MP faces police investigation
For all the latest on the police investigation into Margaret Ferrier, check out our story below:
Police launch investigation into MP who travelled with coronavirus
The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent.
Margaret Ferrier - what did she do wrong, and what is the punishment?
With an ever evolving list of rules, the crime and relevant punishment of a breach of a coronavirus restriction can all become a bit muddled.
Ms Ferrier’s crime appears to have been not obeying self isolation rules - which bears some of the most stringent penalties available after the legislation was updated just four days ago.
Now the former SNP MP could face a £4,000 fine for a first-time offence of coming into contact with others when she should have been self-isolating.
The matter is now in the hands of the Metropolitan Police.
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