Salmond reportedly ready to introduce reformed scrutiny of the Press

THE First Minister, Alex Salmond, has reportedly told the BBC that he is ready to introduce reformed scrutiny of the Press in Scotland – if it is recommended by Lord Justice Leveson.

Says the BBC, Salmond said he was against state regulation but would like to see an enhanced Press Council, based on the system operating in Ireland.

Leveson’s report on Press standards is due to be published tomorrow. His inquiry was sparked by allegations of phone hacking against the News of the World, which closed in July last year.

Yesterday, allmediascotland.com picked up on stories in The Courier and Daily Telegraph newspapers that, since Press regulation is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, there is no guarantee that Leveson’s recommendations would be implemented in Scotland.