Section 40 applies only to England and Wales. The Scottish Government has decided not to introduce equivalent legislation in Scotland.
The Scottish Government will continue to monitor current press regulations, and will work with other parties at Holyrood and Westminster to ensure effective regulation of the press. It is my view that regulation will only be effective if it balances the respect for freedom of the press with the public desire for high standards, accuracy and accountability. That is why all the political parties have worked together to implement the recommendations put forward by the Leveson Inquiry through the Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press, which was accepted by the Scottish Parliament in 2013.
You may be aware that the UK Government is currently consulting on Section 40 and other issues connected with Leveson, and my SNP colleagues and I will consider carefully our position on any proposals brought forward by the Secretary of State at Westminster.
