The independent directors have demonstrated their independence but despite Mr Darcey's statement it is not clear whether they believe the papers' "very difficult financial situation" could justify the changing of the undertakings. He has now challenged them to recommend how they think the papers can be made economically viable.

So many of the national papers are surviving on the largess of the owners. Make the paper financially viable, more likely they will sell it off and watch it go under if they don't get their way.