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IMPORTANCE OF A FREE PRESS

Early day motion 504A1, tabled 14 November 2017 by Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party). Signed by 16 members.

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.'.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 15, Labour 1.