Following the First Minister’s statement in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday where she didn’t rule out committing a travel ban to law in the future, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has demanded Nicola Sturgeon brings forward supporting evidence for scrutiny before any such measure is announced.

The local MSP has said police are already stretched to the limit due to Covid-19 and it is difficult to see how a travel ban would be properly policed and managed.

He also believes such details must be scrutinised in the appropriate way – by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.

Colin Smyth said: “Too many new rules and regulations concerning Covid-19 have been brought in by the Scottish Government without publishing evidence or proper scrutiny by MSPs, which is outrageous.

“A travel ban supported by regulation would be a big step and I would need to see the evidence behind such a move before considering any support for the move. There would need to be a recognition that people will still need to cross borders for work, education, and healthcare every day and barriers can’t be put in their way.

“Scottish Police resources are already stretched to the limit by the extra workload COVID-19 has imposed on them. However, Scotland’s Assistant Chief constable has made it clear that it is too early to speculate on the specifics of how a travel ban would be properly policed and managed.

“These are the kinds of details that would need to be scrutinised and assessed by the Scottish Parliament, along with the provision of adequate resources to help the police do their jobs effectively and keep the public safe during the pandemic.”