News International, The Sun's publisher, closed its Sunday sister title The News of the World in July last year following the phone-hacking scandal.

In recent weeks, the extension of the scandal, which has led to 10 journalists from The Sun being arrested, has led to speculation that the weekday title would also be canned.

However, Murdoch moved to alleviate fear today (17 February) emailing staff to assure them that not only would the UK's best selling newspaper be staying, but also that a Sunday version, rumoured since the death of the News of the World, would be imminent.

He said: "We will build on The Sun's proud heritage by launching The Sun on Sunday very soon. Our duty is to expand one of the world's most widely read newspapers and reach even more people than ever before. Having a winning paper is the best answer to our critics."

Murdoch is currently in London to deal with the latest revelations of the scandal.