Bill Wilson MSP

Dr Bill Wilson MSP has congratulated the Icelandic Parliament for voting to bring in the “strongest media freedom laws in the world”. In a Scottish Parliamentary motion to that effect, he also suggested that such legislation might encourage whistle-blowing and therefore help prevent corruption “as has been practised by BAE Systems”, and he called on the UK Government to consider bringing in similar legislation here, to implement the Bribery Act 2010 without “watering it down” and to modify libel law.

Dr Wilson said, “People often criticise corruption overseas, but UK-based companies can be considered at least partly responsible for this, as anyone who looks into BAE’s shady dealings is likely to conclude.  A climate that fosters whistle-blowing and a free and fearless media must surely make the world a better and safer place.

“Dodgy investments by Icelandic banks contributed to the global economic crisis.  Partly in response to this, the Icelandic Parliament has unanimously voted for the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative, described as ‘a new legislative regime to protect and strengthen modern freedom of expression and the free flow of information in Iceland and around the world’.  This is greatly to be welcomed, and I hope the UK Government will monitor what happens and consider bringing in similar legislation here, or at least allow the Scottish Parliament to do so.

SNP MSP Welcomes UK Government Decision on BSkyB ITV Holdings:  “Media Monopolies Unhealthy for Democracy!”

Bill Wilson, MSP for the West of Scotland, today announced that he was delighted by the UK Government’s decision to accept the recommendation of the Competition Commission regarding BSkyB’s holdings in ITV.  Business Secretary John Hutton has agreed that BSkyB should reduce its holding in ITV from 17.9% to below 7.5% and not take a seat on the ITV board.

Dr Bill Wilson, MSP for the West of Scotland, yesterday lodged a Parliamentary Motion condemning the BBC for failing to mention Scots in its Public Purposes, a language he describes as “the UK’s indigenous minority language with the most speakers”.