MPs warn Jeremy Hunt over Rupert Murdoch takeover deal

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt was today warned not to defy the media watchdog by handing full control of BSkyB to Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.

Amid tensions in the Coalition on the takeover bid, senior Lib-Dem MPs urged Mr Hunt not to ignore the advice of regulator Ofcom.

Don Foster, chairman of the Liberal Democrat backbench committee on culture, media and sport, said he would "expect" the Cabinet minister to refer the case to the Competition Commission if Ofcom was not satisfied by new concessions offered by News Corp.

Ofcom has recommended that the proposed deal should be referred to the Competition Commission. Mr Hunt, who will make the final decision, has said he is inclined to agree to such a move but has allowed New Corp more time to make further concessions to prevent or mitigate "the potential threats to media plurality" identified by Ofcom.

Mr Foster called on Mr Hunt to abide by the advice of Ofcom if it still believes there should be a full competition inquiry.