Nick Watts

This particular group didn't just "turn nasty". They went with the deliberate intention of causing trouble, which is obvious from the comments on Facebook before the demonstration.

Alegrias1

The police are in no way to blame, only the baying mob are to blame.

I'm afraid I disagree. It took place outside the entrance to Downing Street. There were dozens of police on duty, who must have been able to see what was happening. Not only did a group of people abuse Nick Watt verbally, but some pushed him. The police just stood by and watched.

One man has now been arrested. Not only has he said he doesn't regret his actions, but he has tagged his Facebook trolling account, so everybody can read what he's been writing, doing and planning. It's quite a disturbing read.

The inaction of the police in the incident involving Nick Watts is under a police investigation; and the action of the insulting and threatening demonstrators has been widely condemned by, among others, the BBC, Number 10 and Priti Patel. It is reported that the demonstration, attended by Piers Corbyn, was largely peaceful but obviously, not entirely.

Social Media plays a part these days but demonstrations that turn violent are not new. Either there are those intent on causing trouble within the groups or the groups take on a mob mentality. If alcohol has been consumed, it just oils the wheels of violent protest.

From twitter: I'm not sure about the reference to "bogus 'solidarity'"

Alegrias1

The police are in no way to blame, only the baying mob are to blame.

Yes, absolutely. I haven’t even seen the video, but from the descriptions on this thread, it sounds quite awful. The baying mob are certainly to blame for their own behaviour, not the police.

Alegrias1

Have you seen the video GG13?

(I'm stalking you from the other thread )

Yes I saw it on Twitter earlier.

In my opinion multiple lockdowns combined with Brexit has polarised and marginalised so many folks that frustration is boiling over. I hope I am wrong but I envisage a perfect storm in the making and I fear it could be very ugly

The attacks on the press come from both sides if the political spectrum in my view.

We’re experiencing increasingly untenable attacks on freedom of thought and expression. The normalisation of demonising and silencing journalists , and all those who hold differing perspectives and opinions. 1984 was baby food

Have you seen the video GG13?

(I'm stalking you from the other thread )

Baying mobs, whatever their political persuasion are usually either at the end of their tether or have been egged-on .

Bristol, London, etc all trying to have their voices heard.

So the idiots are so annoyed with the new lenth of lockdown they forget their masks but not the cans of beer and go close to someone ranting and raviving in his face.
Twa.s spring to mind.

No comments from the righthand side of the forum?

The police are in no way to blame, only the baying mob are to blame.

It makes no difference if he is the political editor, presenter, or reporter, or who he works for, the fact is that he isn't a politician, and even if he was, its no way to get your point across.

The police should have acted to stop it. Imo they are as much to blame as the baying mob. It is the job of the police to protect.

N.b. I don't have a television, so I had never heard of him either.

Indeed! Nick Watt was called a c**t. They can't even think of a gender appropriate insult.

growstuff

It's also been reported that one of the mob abused Andy Bell, Channel 5's Political Editor by shouting "vaccination is mass experimentation" followed by "you can stick your new world order up your a**e" and finally called him a paedo".

Such rapier like wit and repartee

It's also been reported that one of the mob abused Andy Bell, Channel 5's Political Editor by shouting "vaccination is mass experimentation" followed by "you can stick your new world order up your a**e" and finally called him a paedo".

Correction: he's the political editor of Newsnight.

I was horrified the police did nothing and he had to get behind the Downing Street barriers to be safe. No attempt by any police to slow or stop the mob - what would they have done if he had not been so nifty on his feet and they attacked him?

Nice chap Nick Watts

ExD

If the lockdown is lifted and we get a third wave - who will be blamed for "opening up too soon"?
Its a loose loose situation.

Whatever happens with lockdown, it won't have been Nick Watt's decision. He's a reporter and reports what is happening.

Newsnight is one of the few TV programmes I watch, which is why I knew who he is. Sometimes, he does interviews and, in my opinion, is always factual and analyses situations in a balanced way.

If the lockdown is lifted and we get a third wave - who will be blamed for "opening up too soon"?
Its a loose loose situation.

So I wasn't alone in not knowing who he was!

And why are they invariably holding a can of alcohol?

Ilovecheese

Just saw this video. I don't really understand why they are abusing him though. I see they don't agree with lock downs but what has Nick Watt got to do with it?

He's the editor of Newsnight and the BBC apparently supports lockdowns.

I had to laugh when I read some of the Twitter comments. Somebody called "Bex" with a stereotypical QAnon/libertarian/right wing (why do they always claim to love animals?) profile, posted the link to the video. A group of people piled in supporting it with all the standard libertarian slogans, then they admitted they hadn't a clue who Nick Watt is.