Professor Neil Ferguson's behaviour 'plainly disappointing' but no action will be taken, Scotland Yard says

Imogen Braddick6 May 2020
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Scotland Yard has said Professor Neil Ferguson’s behaviour is “plainly disappointing” but officers do not intend to take any further action.

Professor Ferguson allowed his "lover" Antonia Staats into his London home on at least two occasions while Covid-19 measures were in place, The Daily Telegraph reported.

He resigned from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) after he broke lockdown restrictions.

But Scotland Yard said Prof Ferguson has accepted responsibility for his error so they will not take further action.

Professor Neil Ferguson predicted a large number of deaths if lockdown ends early
UnHerd

A statement from the force said: “We remain committed to our role in supporting adherence to Government guidance and have made it clear that our starting position is explaining the need to follow the regulations with anyone who is in breach in order to keep people safe and protect the NHS.

“It is clear in this case that whilst this behaviour is plainly disappointing, Professor Ferguson has accepted that he made an error of judgement and has taken responsibility for that.

“We therefore do not intend to take any further action.”

Prof Ferguson previously advised the Government to take drastic action and implement social distancing policies saying that 250,000 Brits could die from coronavirus.

Europe starts to ease itself out of Coronavirus lockdown

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The scientist admitted an "error in judgement" and said he had "stepped back from my involvement in Sage".

He said: "I accept I made an error of judgment and took the wrong course of action. I have therefore stepped back from my involvement in Sage.

“I acted in the belief that I was immune, having tested positive for coronavirus, and completely isolated myself for almost two weeks after developing symptoms.

“I deeply regret any undermining of the clear messages around the continued need for social distancing to control this devastating epidemic.

"The Government guidance is unequivocal, and is there to protect all of us."

Security minister James Brokenshire said on Wednesday that Prof Ferguson had “made the right decision” by resigning.

Mr Brokenshire told Sky News: “Professor Ferguson I think has obviously made his statement underlying that there’s no excuse for not following the social distancing rules and I think he’s made the right decision here.

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“The work of Sage continues and obviously we will continue to be informed by that group and the experts that provide that support to the Government.”

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