Motion text
That this House believes a free and independent press is vital to healthy political and public life; notes the contribution of Scottish newspapers to political and public life; welcomes the focus of papers, such as the Scotsman, on news from a Scottish perspective; and condemns the acquisition of publishers and the publicity surrounding it to undermine good journalism and promote personal agendas.
Signatures (5)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Jardine, Christine
Liberal Democrat
Signed on
6 November 2017
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
7 November 2017
Lloyd, Stephen
Liberal Democrat
Signed on
13 November 2017
Campbell, Mr Ronnie
Labour
Signed on
15 November 2017
Law, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
15 November 2017
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.
Amendments (1)
After a motion has been tabled, other Members can table amendments to it. Amendments to this motion are shown below.
IMPORTANCE OF A FREE PRESS (Amendment 1)
leave out 'welcomes' to end, insert, 'further notes that in July 2017 Johnston Press threatened to close 24 local newspapers across Scotland; notes at the same time there were around 12 vacancies in the three Scotsman titles creating a lot of stress and demands on journalists to work extra hours; notes that following the National Union of Journalists intervention and negotiation there were no closures; and one company stated filling vacancies; and notes current dissatisfaction within the Johnston Press Board, and real concerns in the direction of the company, affecting the quality of the titles.'.
16
signatures
EDM 504A1: tabled on 14 November 2017