The Leveson Report is being implemented very differently in Scotland. As you’d expect. If you’re Alex Salmond every issue is a chance to show how different Scotland is from the rest of the UK – so Leveson therefore was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. He wants to include not only the print media, but the blogs too. It’s a sweeping power grab, ahead of the 2014 referendum – but already, it’s badly backfiring on him
Under the terms of the devolution settlement, Salmond has no power over the broadcasters. But there is no law stopping Holyrood from regulating the press: protection wasn’t included because back then press regulation was not on the agenda. Salmond found himself with some power, which he used as a bargaining chip with the press. He called for all party talks (which I attended) and then put to the respected retired judge, Lord McCluskey, a remit the group had not agreed.
The result? Incredibly draconian measures.
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