Alister Jack to travel to House of Commons despite Nicola Sturgeon's 'Stay at home' message

The Scottish Secretary has said that he will be travelling to London later this month

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made clear she believes her Government's advice applies to people who live in Scotland and work in England.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has said he will be travelling to work in London at the House of Commons later this month - despite the Scottish Government advising people to work from home where possible.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made clear she believes her Government's advice applies to people who live in Scotland and work in England.

The House of Commons has made some arrangements for business to take place virtually, but these are expected to come to an end on May 20.

Mr Jack said he will be in London on that date to take part in the regular Scottish questions session at the House.

He said that is because he is a "key worker", and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has requested ministers answer questions from the despatch box.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme on Wednesday, Mr Jack said he recognises the advice north of the border is to stay at home, but added: "I am a key worker.

"The Speaker requests for me to be able to answer questions to Scottish MPs. The Speaker requires one of the ministers at least to be at the despatch box, so that is my responsibility."

He said the UK Parliament has been "made Covid safe", adding: "There will be a new normal, it is not going to be back to business as usual when the time comes with everyone crammed in the chamber together, that is not what is being suggested."

When asked if his advice to others is to stay at home, Mr Jack said: "Yes, of course. That is the Scottish Government's message and I agreed that in a conversation with the First Minister last week."

He said staying at home is "absolutely the message in Scotland".

Mr Jack also said Scotland has benefited from the "financial strength" of the UK Treasury during the Covid-19 crisis.

He spoke after Chancellor Rishi Sunak extended the furlough scheme, in which the UK Government pays the bulk of workers' wages, although companies will be asked to make a contribution to costs from the end of July.