Tories want to be on Leveson panel

Dec 7 2012

The Conservatives have announced they will take part in the expert panel set up by the First Minister to discuss the implications of the Leveson report into press standards.

Alex Salmond said he hopes the group, which will examine Lord Justice Leveson's recommendation for regulation of the press underpinned by legislation, will be in place by the end of next week.

The aim is to have its own report published within about three months.

Tory leader Ruth Davidson has said she will take part but has called for the panel's remit to be clearly set out.

All of Holyrood's political parties are now on board. The others agreed to sign up during all-party Leveson talks on Thursday.

Ms Davidson said: "The expert panel proposed by the First Minister raises several questions and we remain concerned it does not go beyond its proper remit. The panel's job could easily become the production of a blueprint for legislation rather than being limited to the legitimate function of examining the practicalities and problems of introducing new law.

"We have therefore decided to participate in the process because the dangers of that happening will increase unless someone is prepared to test any assumption that a new system of press regulation must have legal underpinning.

"We must ensure there is no headlong rush to introduce legislation in Scotland and we can only do that by continuing to participate in the all-party discussions and have a say in how the expert panel operates."

Speaking after the talks, Mr Salmond said: "Leveson, for understandable reasons as an English judge, outlined the view that some of his central recommendations may not be applicable in the Scottish context. So we require expert advice on how any statutory underpinning would be enabled in Scotland should it be decided that this was the best way forward.

"The expert group will be led by a current or former judge, and all parties that sign up to its formation can suggest potential additional members to provide their expert analysis."