Sturgeon reported to police over 'face mask law breach' in barber shop

A social media clip appears to show the First Minister not wearing a mask during a trip to a barber shop in East Kilbride.

Nicola Sturgeon reported to police over ‘face mask law breach’ in barber shop STV News

Nicola Sturgeon has been reported to Police Scotland after video footage showed her apparently breaching Scotland’s Covid face mask law during an indoor campaign visit in South Lanarkshire.

A social media clip appears to show the First Minister not wearing a mask during a trip to Iconic Gents Hair barber shop in East Kilbride on Saturday.

There is currently a legal requirement to wear a face covering in most indoor public places in Scotland, including shops, public transport and hairdressers.

In the video, the FM appears to be seen without a face covering as she socialises with customers.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint which is currently being assessed.”

The legal requirement to wear a face mask in indoor settings in Scotland moves into guidance on Monday, however the Scottish Government has strongly recommended that people continue to wear them where appropriate.

An SNP spokesman said: “The First Minister was invited into the barber’s during an outdoor visit on the street.

“Within a few seconds, she realised she hadn’t put her mask back on and immediately put it on.”

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: “The video clearly shows Nicola Sturgeon isn’t practicing what she preaches on face masks.

“She’s happy virtue signalling for official photos but behind closed doors it’s clear she doesn’t believe in her own rules so why should anyone else.

“This is blatant hypocrisy from the First Minister who has now shown her true colours.

“The public, who have been under these legal Covid restrictions for over two years, deserve an apology for this rule break.”

A Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesman said: “It’s incumbent on all politicians to set a good example.

“It looks like Nicola Sturgeon has lost track of what her own rules are.”

The Scottish Government said the incident on Saturday was an issue for the party.

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