Anas Sarwar: If Joani Reid has done anything wrong she should quit as MP

Joani Reid should resign as an MP if there is “any hint of any wrongdoing at all”, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said.

The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP stepped down from the party last month after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

And, this week, reports emerged that Ms Reid was alleged to have been involved in inappropriate behaviour with two senior naval officers.

It is understood one officer, who commanded a nuclear-armed, submarine at Faslane on the Clyde, was investigated over the claims but was not found to have broken any rules.

The officer is no longer in charge of the submarine but it is understood this is due to unrelated reasons and he is still in the Navy.

The Press Association understands the Ministry of Defence has no security concerns over the alleged incidents.

Speaking to reporters in Edinburgh, the leader of Scottish Labour urged Ms Reid to step down if she has done anything wrong.

He said: “It’s right it’s being investigated by the Metropolitan Police more widely, it’s right she’s subject to independent investigation by the Government’s legal unit, and it’s right that she is not a Scottish Labour MP.

“Those investigations, obviously, have to conclude but she was suspended almost immediately, and there is that ongoing police investigation.”

Asked if she should quit, he said: “It depends what comes from these investigations.

“The situation in itself, when it relates to national security, is of course serious enough.

“I think it’s important to stress, as far as my current understanding is, that whilst her partner is subject to a Metropolitan Police investigation, it’s not yet widened beyond that, but there are still issues of concern at relations here, which is why there is the separate, independent governance investigation.

“If there is any hint of any wrongdoing at all, of them, then this person should not be a Scottish Labour MP and they shouldn’t be an MP, but I am not going to prejudge that investigation.

“Am I deeply concerned by some of the reports? Of course, I am. That’s why we took swift action. It’s right she’s not a Scottish Labour MP, while that investigation takes place and it’s right, given the national security issues here, that the Metropolitan Police is investigating.”

While Ms Reid faces an internal investigation, she is not subject to any police investigation.

Her husband, David Taylor, is under investigation by the Met and is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service and was one of three men arrested.

At the time, Ms Reid said she wanted to make clear that she was not under investigation and faced no accusations around her husband’s case. “I have done nothing wrong,” she added.

A Royal Navy spokesperson: “The security of the nuclear deterrent is our highest priority, and we have robust processes in place to protect the security of our people and capabilities.

“We will not comment on individual cases.”

Ms Reid has been approached for comment.