News International hits back on Times deal claim

Rhodri Davies QC, counsel for News International, has responded to "implausible" theories about how Rupert Murdoch became owner of The Times and Sunday Times.

Mr Davies said there was no implicit or explicit deal between Margaret Thatcher and Mr Murdoch in the purchase of the papers.

When he gave his evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, Mr Murdoch denied asking or being offered any favours when he met then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at a lunch in 1981.