Alex Salmond holds talks with Rupert Murdoch

Published on 29/02/2012 17:31

THE First Minister has held talks with media mogul Rupert Murdoch today over Scotland’s constitutional future, according to sources.

The News Corporation chairman met Alex Salmond in Edinburgh, where they also talked about the potential for further investment in the country and the Leveson Inquiry into press standards.

A spokesman for the First Minister said: “This was a very constructive meeting focused on News Corporation’s substantial economic footprint in Scotland and the First Minister and Mr Murdoch discussed the potential for further investment within the country.

“Mr Murdoch was keen to express his view that the current debate on Scotland’s constitutional future continued to make Scotland an attractive place for inward investment.

“During the meeting, the First Minister indicated support for the Leveson Inquiry and police investigations into journalistic malpractice.

“Mr Murdoch gave strong assurances that News International are intent on consigning these matters to the past and emerging a better organisation for it.”

The talks at Mr Salmond’s official residence, Bute House, this afternoon were held three days after the News International boss’s new title, The Sun on Sunday, revealed what it claimed will be the date of the referendum on independence.

The newspaper said the ballot will be held on October 18 2014.

The Scottish Government later said the date, which falls on a Saturday, is a “possibility”.

Last week Mr Murdoch took to social networking site Twitter to indicate support for independence.

He tweeted: “Let Scotland go and compete. Everyone would win.”

The tycoon’s words followed another message, referring to a visit by the Prime Minister to Edinburgh, in which he said: “Alex Salmond clearly most brilliant politician in UK. Gave Cameron back of his hand this week. Loved by Scots.”

Last year The Scottish Sun newspaper threw its weight behind Mr Salmond in his attempt to secure re-election as First Minister.

Today’s meeting also involved Tom Mockridge, the chief executive of News International.