The Independent editor Simon Kelner said the storm surrounding Johann Hari was no ‘great scandal’and that the writer remained a ‘serious force for good in the world”.

Speaking on Radio 4’s The Media Show this afternoon, Kelner admitted that Hari’s practice of using unattributed quotes was wrong and that it was something he ‘deeply regrets”.

He also admitted that neither he nor any other editors on the title were aware of it – but they were now investigating the matter.