Understand
Stephen Flynn emailed about ferry gas leak before denying knowledge
Overview
Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn told a Holyrood committee he knew nothing about a flammable gas leak on board the MV Glen Sannox ferry, but freedom of information records show he was emailed about the story twice shortly before the meeting.
Key points
- Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn stated during a transport committee meeting that he knew nothing about a methane gas leak on the MV Glen Sannox.
- A faulty valve had led to 700kg of methane gas being vented from the side of the ferry while carrying passengers last summer.
- Freedom of information records revealed Flynn was emailed twice about the news story in the hours leading up to his committee appearance.
- Transport Scotland stated that the drafts sent to his office did not constitute a formal briefing and were not shared with him directly.
- Opposition politicians criticized Flynn, with Willie Rennie accusing him of attempting a cover-up and Russell Findlay calling for him to refer himself to the ministerial code advisers.