JOURNALISTS across the UK have spoken out after a BBC Newsnight journalist was harassed and intimidated by anti-lockdown protesters in London yesterday.
Nick Watt, the political editor of the corporation’s current affairs show, was chased through the streets of central London by protesters chanting “traitor” and insisting lockdown is not legal.
The footage shows protesters getting very close to the journalist and shouting in his face. The clip has been shared widely online.
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A spokesperson for BBC News hit out at the protesters involved, saying: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable. All journalists should be able to carry out their work without intimidation or impediment.”
Meanwhile, journalists from across the media have widely condemned the treatment of the reporter who appeared to be trying to access Downing Street when the incident occurred.
Former BBC interviewer and GB News founder Andrew Neil (above) wrote: “Disgraceful treatment of [Newsnight] Nick Watt. A fine reporter and good friend. Subjected to the intimidation and thuggery of the mob. Simply terrible. Solidarity with Nick.”
Press freedom campaigner Rebecca Vincent commented: “Appalling, thuggish behaviour by anti-lockdown protesters towards BBC Newsnight political editor Nick Watt. This isn’t protest; it’s harassment & possibly assault (given Covid risk). Journalists must be able to do their jobs safely. The UK must do better.”
Former Newsnight deputy editor Jess Brammar added: “The video of Nick Watt being chased and abused by a mob is absolutely horrifying - am torn about RTing it as it’s upsetting and I don’t know how Nick feels about it, but huge solidarity with him. It’s disgusting, he’s doing his job. I know the BBC will be rightly furious about it.”
GB News political correspondent Tom Harwood described the incident as “absolutely horrifying”.
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