Nicholas Watt
@nicholaswatt
Political Editor BBC Newsnight
EXCLUSIVE: Newsnight filmed a drone dropping a large package into HMP Wandsworth prison. This was filmed at 3.30am on 21 June behind the category B men's prison, which houses sex offenders and terrorists. #Newsnight
Word among Labour MPs is that once the suspensions are over then trade envoys who rebelled can expect a difficult conversation
"Iran is at its all-time weakest" Ex-MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger assesses Iran's threat to the UK, arguing President Trump is “onto something” in his handling of Tehran. #Newsnight
“It feels like a first step towards a European nuclear umbrella, it really does.” Georgina Wright, Special Advisor to the German Marshall Fund, assesses the move by Britain & France towards greater nuclear cooperation. #Newsnight
“It's absolutely obvious to me that people should have a digital identity... Let's stop shouting at the French. A lot of this is on us.” Ex-MI6 boss, Sir Alex Younger, backs calls for digital ID cards and adds that they could help deter small boat crossings. #Newsnight
“It demonstrates the narcissism of the arguments we had around Brexit… it looks ridiculous with hindsight.” Ex MI6 head, Sir Alex Younger, welcomes increased Franco-British co-operation, including on nuclear weapons. #Newsnight
"He's abused the privilege of possessing nuclear weapons." Former head of MI6 Sir Alex Younger says Vladimir Putin’s actions have led to a new France-UK nuclear pact, adding the Russian leader has "screwed up." #Newsnight
Fascinating to sit next to Sir Alex Younger on @BBCNewsnight as he talks Putin, Iran, Brexit, UK-French nuclear cooperation
“He’s going to make Trump look like a muppet if he continues.” Ex MI6 head, Sir Alex Younger, tells @bbcpaddy that President Putin may have overplayed his hand. #Newsnight
“Oh for bleeps sake, another one….” “Jake Berry has had more positions than the Karma Sutra...” @nicholaswatt shares Conservative reaction to the news former Tory party chair Jake Berry has defected to Reform UK. #Newsnight
Confirmation that Keir Starmer voted for the third reading of the welfare bill
And a substantial Labour rebellion (47) on the third reading of the welfare bill - last Commons vote at this stage before it goes to the Lords
The government defeated the @RachaelMaskell amendment comfortably because the Conservatives abstained on that vote
A sizeable Labour rebellion of 47 on @RachaelMaskell amendment on Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit
