Talks on Leveson 'constructive'

Dec 6 2012

Opposition politicians have welcomed constructive talks on a so-called Scottish solution to Lord Justice Leveson's recommendation for statutory regulation of the press.

Leaders of parties at Holyrood met First Minister Alex Salmond after his invitation to find a cross-party agreement on his suggestion for an expert panel to look at the issues.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "Today's all-party talks were very constructive but the expert panel proposed by the First Minister raises several questions and we need to fully consider the implications before we can endorse the process.

"A panel which examines the practicalities and problems of introducing legislation to control the press is one thing, but a body designed to produce the basis for legislation is an entirely different proposition.

"I am far from convinced that statutory intervention is required to underpin the new system of press regulation already under construction, but we do need to understand all the implications in a Scottish context."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said: "I am pleased we could agree to further work on how to translate Leveson for Scotland. The expert group will look at all options and I'm pleased a UK-wide solution is on the table.

"Liberal Democrats want self-regulation of the press underpinned by law to provide for quick, simple and cheap redress for victims. Today is the first step on the road to achieving that goal."

Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convener of the Scottish Greens, said: "It was a good discussion and I look forward to further meetings to agree a Scottish response to Leveson.

"The suggestion of an expert group is very sensible and I would urge it to explore all possible options including what Scottish legislation would be needed to underpin any new arrangements. Meantime, we will watch with interest what suggestions the newspaper industry comes forward with to rebuild public trust."

Labour said it is too early to commit to anything and argued for a UK-wide solution. A party spokesman said: "We're glad it is an expert panel and not an implementation group."