best moment of my life, and i'm so, so happy to be with these girls. ten metres up in the air, lois toulson and andrea spendolini—sirieix took a deep breath for theirfinal dive. yes, they saved the best until last! that perfect execution propelled them from fourth onto the podium, bronze bringing all the emotions for spendolini—sirieix and her famous father fred in their native france. it hasn't all gone swimmingly for team gb today, though. luke greenbank thought he was through to the semis of the 200 metre backstroke. but delight soon gave way to dismay. oh, no. oh, that hurts. as he was disqualified for swimming too long under water. but britain's rowers could breathe easy after no golds in tokyo. this was the epitome of never giving up. natalie pirks, bbc news, paris.

this programme continues on bbc one. thanks very much. a hot one today across england and wales, increasing humidity. we saw temperatures reach 30 celsius in a number of locations in central

huw edwards is convicted of possessing images of the most serious sexual abuse of children. tonight, newsnight can reveal that the bbc news knew nine months ago the nature of that investigation. and hamas's political leader is assassinated in tehran. benjamin netanyahu says israel has delivered a crushing blow to iran's proxies. could it lead to all—out war?

good evening. welcome to newsnight, the home of insights and interviews. it's hard to comprehend that a former colleague, who for years had been the most prominent figure in bbc news, was today in court admitting three charges of possessing 41 indecent images of children. seven of them involved the most serious abuse, two of them picturing children as young as seven. he'll be sentenced in september. but tonight it is the bbc in the dock. newsnight can reveal that the bbc knew back in november that the investigation into one of their highest paid talents related to child abuse images. and they still paid him his salary.

we'll explore the ramifications for the bbc with former sky political editor, adam boulton. with us throughtout are our panellists, labour peer lord charlie falconer, and former conservative special adviser salma shah. first let's hearfrom bbc political correspondentjoe pike. he has been speaking today to the met police. i want to start if we can with what the bbc knew and when. were they informed in november how serious these allegations were? the? serious these allegations were? they sat were, serious these allegations were? they sat were. and — serious these allegations were? they sat were, and they _ serious these allegations were? tie: sat were, and they volunteered serious these allegations were? tte: sat were, and they volunteered in their statement this afternoon that they did have this contact from the met police talking about mr edwards being arrested on suspicion of serious offences. but serious offence is slightly vague choice of words, i've been able to confirm in the last hour or so that the bbc were told those serious offences

concerned child image offences. so we have had 8 or 9 months since the bbc was informed of that information, and of course there was a five month period between huw edwards's arrest and him deciding to resign from the corporation where he was paid a lot of money, and injust that mop five month period, that amounted to £200,000 —— injust that five month period. and that's licence fee payers' money. so they knew he was _ licence fee payers' money. so they knew he was being _ licence fee payers' money. so they knew he was being invested - licence fee payers' money. so they knew he was being invested for. knew he was being invested for possessing child abuse images. there is clearly appeared between him being informed of those charges and that being made public. is it normal for a person to be charged and for it to be kept under wraps for a period of weeks? in it to be kept under wraps for a period of weeks?— it to be kept under wraps for a period of weeks? in my reporting it doesnt period of weeks? in my reporting it doesn't seem _ period of weeks? in my reporting it doesn't seem that _ period of weeks? in my reporting it doesn't seem that normal - period of weeks? in my reporting it doesn't seem that normal but - period of weeks? in my reporting it doesn't seem that normal but the l period of weeks? in my reporting it i doesn't seem that normal but the met insists it happens in certain cases, and they gave the bbcjust 30 minutes notice, i should say, not the bbc news but the bbc governance department, 30 minutes notice that

they were going to confirm that journalist mr edwards had been charged and we should also say, sources within the bbc point out that even though they knew nine months ago that he was being investigated around offences, alleged offences of child abuse images, they didn't know the details. certainly not the details we know today around the number of images and categorisation of images or the ages of the children who were abused in those videos and those pictures. abused in those videos and those ictures. �* ., abused in those videos and those ictures. �* . , ., abused in those videos and those ictures. . ~ ., ., , pictures. adam, you know huw edwards and his wife, — pictures. adam, you know huw edwards and his wife, and _ pictures. adam, you know huw edwards and his wife, and i— pictures. adam, you know huw edwards and his wife, and i think _ pictures. adam, you know huw edwards and his wife, and i think the _ pictures. adam, you know huw edwards and his wife, and i think the last - and his wife, and i think the last time we spoke you told me you would consider him a friend.— consider him a friend. certainly, i did know him. _ consider him a friend. certainly, i did know him, though _ consider him a friend. certainly, i did know him, though i _ consider him a friend. certainly, i did know him, though i would - consider him a friend. certainly, i i did know him, though i would agree the aspect— did know him, though i would agree the aspect of the bbc statement today— the aspect of the bbc statement today which says everyone is shocked about _ today which says everyone is shocked about this, _ today which says everyone is shocked about this, and there is no place for this— about this, and there is no place for this behaviour, which is utterly apparent, — for this behaviour, which is utterly apparent, i— for this behaviour, which is utterly apparent, i have not had any contact with huw_ apparent, i have not had any contact with huw since the original story broke _ with huw since the original story broke in— with huw since the original story broke in the sun. clearly for him

and his— broke in the sun. clearly for him and his family, this is absolutely disastrous. but again, as the bbc statement — disastrous. but again, as the bbc statement says, in a case like this of indecent — statement says, in a case like this of indecent images and abuse of children. — of indecent images and abuse of children, it's those victims one has to think— children, it's those victims one has to think about first of all. though i have _ to think about first of all. though i have to — to think about first of all. though i have to say that the family who originally— i have to say that the family who originally raised the issue of their complaint — originally raised the issue of their complaint about his relationship with their— complaint about his relationship with their son to the sun newspaper because _ with their son to the sun newspaper because they felt the bbc hadn't taken _ because they felt the bbc hadn't taken it— because they felt the bbc hadn't taken it seriously at the time, which — taken it seriously at the time, which led _ taken it seriously at the time, which led to the publication of the story— which led to the publication of the story not— which led to the publication of the story not identifying him, that family— story not identifying him, that family have been speaking to the sun again. _ family have been speaking to the sun again. and _ family have been speaking to the sun again, and they are very angry, they are describing in tomorrow's paper huw as— are describing in tomorrow's paper huw as a _ are describing in tomorrow's paper huw as a monster and they are suggesting that people at the top elite look after themselves, in terms — elite look after themselves, in terms of— elite look after themselves, in terms of the slowness of the bbc respond — terms of the slowness of the bbc respond to their initial complaint and then— respond to their initial complaint and then the subsequent slowness in which, _ and then the subsequent slowness in which, while these charges were known. — which, while these charges were known. he — which, while these charges were known, he earned a lot of money. they— known, he earned a lot of money. they would — known, he earned a lot of money. they would say that because of his

known health issues, his mental health, that they had a duty of care to him. but there had been the allegation from the family that the sun reported on, subsequent to that, there was this investigation in november and they knew the serious nature of that. why did they wait nine months? and let him go of his own volition? yes nine months? and let him go of his own volition?— own volition? yes indeed, and last time i own volition? yes indeed, and last time i was — own volition? yes indeed, and last time i was in _ own volition? yes indeed, and last time i was in the _ own volition? yes indeed, and last time i was in the studio, _ own volition? yes indeed, and last| time i was in the studio, newsnight revealed _ time i was in the studio, newsnight revealed the issues, other issues about— revealed the issues, other issues about his — revealed the issues, other issues about his behaviour after he had been identified towards younger members of staff. again we are told there _ members of staff. again we are told there has— members of staff. again we are told there has been a bbc inquiry into that but— there has been a bbc inquiry into that but it — there has been a bbc inquiry into that but itjust disappeared after he left _ that but itjust disappeared after he left the corporation in april. and i_ he left the corporation in april. and i think— he left the corporation in april. and i think there will be a lot of examination of the patterns of behaviour of huw now that he is admitted. — behaviour of huw now that he is admitted, pled guilty in this area because — admitted, pled guilty in this area because his wider behaviour, and certainly— because his wider behaviour, and certainly i — because his wider behaviour, and certainly i think it will behove the bbc to— certainly i think it will behove the bbc to make it clear what they found out about _ bbc to make it clear what they found out about went on here. i�*m

out about went on here. i'm interested, _ out about went on here. i'm interested, as _ out about went on here. trn interested, as someone who counted him as a colleague and friend, you spent so much time with him, people i've spoken to today and in the last few days at the ten o'clock news feel let down. there is a position of trust when you're one of the highest—paid bbc presenters. you have to behave younger approach. do you feel, do you still, would you still count him as a friend after everything you've learned today? that's what we have to behave beyond reproach. i that's what we have to behave beyond reroach. ., �* , reproach. i don't believe in cancelling _ reproach. i don't believe in cancelling people, - reproach. i don't believe in cancelling people, and - reproach. i don't believe in cancelling people, and if. reproach. i don't believe in cancelling people, and if i | reproach. i don't believe in - cancelling people, and ifi came cancelling people, and if i came into contact with huw, perhaps after he comes— into contact with huw, perhaps after he comes out of prison, i would, you know, _ he comes out of prison, i would, you know. extend — he comes out of prison, i would, you know, extend at least the hand of friendshib — know, extend at least the hand of friendship. i wouldn't shun him. but on the _ friendship. iwouldn't shun him. but on the other— friendship. i wouldn't shun him. but on the other hand, you know, jonathan _ on the other hand, you know, jonathan aitken went to prison, jeffrey— jonathan aitken went to prison, jeffrey archer went to prison, chris hume _ jeffrey archer went to prison, chris hume went— jeffrey archer went to prison, chris hume went to prison... for jeffrey archer went to prison, chris hume went to prison. . ._ hume went to prison... for driving offences, hume went to prison... for driving offences. not _ hume went to prison... for driving offences, not for _ hume went to prison... for driving offences, not for the _ hume went to prison... for driving offences, not for the most - offences, not for the most serious... offences, not for the most serious- - -_ offences, not for the most serious... ., ,, ,, ., serious... nonetheless, you know, one... i serious... nonetheless, you know, one--- i have _ serious... nonetheless, you know, one... i have continued _ serious... nonetheless, you know, one... i have continued to - serious... nonetheless, you know, one... i have continued to have - serious... nonetheless, you know, | one... i have continued to have dots like i_ one... i have continued to have dots like i wouldn't call them intimate friends _ like i wouldn't call them intimate friends but i don't think you can 'ust friends but i don't think you can

just dismiss people actually once they've _ just dismiss people actually once they've paid there, the price for what _ they've paid there, the price for what they've done, and he had obviously— what they've done, and he had obviously done very very serious thing~ _ obviously done very very serious thin. ., ., _, obviously done very very serious thin._ ., ., , obviously done very very serious thin. ., ., , ., thing. lord falconer, there is no suggestion _ thing. lord falconer, there is no suggestion he — thing. lord falconer, there is no suggestion he filmed _ thing. lord falconer, there is no suggestion he filmed these - thing. lord falconer, there is no i suggestion he filmed these images thing. lord falconer, there is no - suggestion he filmed these images or share them, he opened them. but at the point he opened them, what was his responsibility? if the point he opened them, what was his responsibility?— his responsibility? if they came from a source _ his responsibility? if they came from a source that _ his responsibility? if they came from a source that he - his responsibility? if they came from a source that he had - his responsibility? if they came from a source that he had no i from a source that he had no exaectation _ from a source that he had no expectation was _ from a source that he had no expectation was going - from a source that he had no expectation was going to - from a source that he had noi expectation was going to give from a source that he had no- expectation was going to give him a pornographic— expectation was going to give him a pornographic image. _ expectation was going to give him a pornographic image, his _ pornographic image, his responsibility— pornographic image, his responsibility would - pornographic image, his responsibility would be i pornographic image, his _ responsibility would be immediately to -o responsibility would be immediately to go to _ responsibility would be immediately to go to the — responsibility would be immediately to go to the police _ responsibility would be immediately to go to the police with _ responsibility would be immediately to go to the police with images - responsibility would be immediately to go to the police with images this| to go to the police with images this awful _ to go to the police with images this awful but — to go to the police with images this awful but the _ to go to the police with images this awful. but the way _ to go to the police with images this awful. but the way the _ to go to the police with images this awful. but the way the prosecution| awful. but the way the prosecution opened _ awful. but the way the prosecution opened the — awful. but the way the prosecution opened the case _ awful. but the way the prosecution opened the case this— awful. but the way the prosecution opened the case this morning, - awful. but the way the prosecution opened the case this morning, it. awful. but the way the prosecution opened the case this morning, it is a long _ opened the case this morning, it is a long period — opened the case this morning, it is a long period of— opened the case this morning, it is a long period of time, _ opened the case this morning, it is a long period of time, months, - a long period of time, months, almost — a long period of time, months, almost a — a long period of time, months, almost a year. _ a long period of time, months, almost a year, of _ a long period of time, months, almost a year, of exchanging i a long period of time, months, | almost a year, of exchanging of images — almost a year, of exchanging of images between _ almost a year, of exchanging of images between somebody- almost a year, of exchanging of| images between somebody who almost a year, of exchanging of. images between somebody who is himself— images between somebody who is himself a — images between somebody who is himself a convicted _ images between somebody who is himself a convicted paedophile - images between somebody who isi himself a convicted paedophile and has been _ himself a convicted paedophile and has been convicted _ himself a convicted paedophile and has been convicted himself- himself a convicted paedophile and has been convicted himself of- has been convicted himself of exchanging _ has been convicted himself of exchanging images. - has been convicted himself of exchanging images. this- has been convicted himself of| exchanging images. this does has been convicted himself of- exchanging images. this does not look like — exchanging images. this does not look like somebody— exchanging images. this does not look like somebody randomly- look like somebody randomly receiving _ look like somebody randomly receiving an _ look like somebody randomly receiving an image. - look like somebody randomly receiving an image. it - look like somebody randomly receiving an image. it looks. look like somebody randomly. receiving an image. it looks like look like somebody randomly- receiving an image. it looks like a concerted — receiving an image. it looks like a concerted course _ receiving an image. it looks like a concerted course of— receiving an image. it looks like a concerted course of conduct. - receiving an image. it looks like a concerted course of conduct. and| receiving an image. it looks like a . concerted course of conduct. and i'm quite _ concerted course of conduct. and i'm quite sure _ concerted course of conduct. and i'm quite sure that — concerted course of conduct. and i'm quite sure that is _ concerted course of conduct. and i'm quite sure that is a _ concerted course of conduct. and i'm quite sure that is a stranger-

concerted course of conduct. and i'm quite sure that is a stranger sends. quite sure that is a stranger sends you something. _ quite sure that is a stranger sends you something, that's— quite sure that is a stranger sends you something, that's horrible - quite sure that is a stranger sends you something, that's horrible in. you something, that's horrible in the way— you something, that's horrible in the way these _ you something, that's horrible in the way these images _ you something, that's horrible in the way these images are, - you something, that's horrible in the way these images are, and i you something, that's horrible in i the way these images are, and you went— the way these images are, and you went to _ the way these images are, and you went to the — the way these images are, and you went to the police, _ the way these images are, and you went to the police, you _ the way these images are, and you went to the police, you wouldn't i the way these images are, and you | went to the police, you wouldn't be prosecuted. — went to the police, you wouldn't be prosecuted. but _ went to the police, you wouldn't be prosecuted. but the _ went to the police, you wouldn't be prosecuted. but the offence - went to the police, you wouldn't be prosecuted. but the offence he - prosecuted. but the offence he committed _ prosecuted. but the offence he committed was _ prosecuted. but the offence he committed was to _ prosecuted. but the offence he committed was to open - prosecuted. but the offence he committed was to open them l prosecuted. but the offence he i committed was to open them and explain _ committed was to open them and explain the — committed was to open them and explain the circumstances - committed was to open them andi explain the circumstances suggest this is— explain the circumstances suggest this is a _ explain the circumstances suggest this is a real— explain the circumstances suggest this is a real crime _ explain the circumstances suggest this is a real crime that— explain the circumstances suggest this is a real crime that has- explain the circumstances suggest this is a real crime that has been. this is a real crime that has been committed. _ this is a real crime that has been committed. of— this is a real crime that has been committed, of the _ this is a real crime that has been committed, of the most - this is a real crime that has been committed, of the most seriousl committed, of the most serious thought. — committed, of the most serious thought. and _ committed, of the most serious thought. and i— committed, of the most serious thought. and i agree _ committed, of the most serious thought. and i agree with- committed, of the most serious thought. and i agree with all. committed, of the most serious thought. and i agree with all of| committed, of the most serious i thought. and i agree with all of the things— thought. and i agree with all of the things adam — thought. and i agree with all of the things adam has _ thought. and i agree with all of the things adam has said _ thought. and i agree with all of the things adam has said about - thought. and i agree with all of the things adam has said about the - things adam has said about the victims — things adam has said about the victims of— things adam has said about the victims of this, _ things adam has said about the victims of this, the _ things adam has said about the victims of this, the children - things adam has said about the i victims of this, the children whose images _ victims of this, the children whose images are — victims of this, the children whose images are taken. _ victims of this, the children whose images are taken. i _ victims of this, the children whose images are taken.— images are taken. i want to pin oint images are taken. i want to pin point down. — images are taken. i want to pin point down, they _ images are taken. i want to pin point down, they might - images are taken. i want to pin point down, they might be i images are taken. i want to pin l point down, they might be some people out there who think anyone could open an inappropriate image, not knowing what it was. at the point is, the man who sent these images, this 25—year—old, alex williams, who has since been convicted, asked him in this chat group whether the images he was sending were too young, to which he redwood said, don't send anything illegal. at another category a image arrived in august subsequently. —— to which huw edwards said, don't send anything illegal. and he continued to text that month until april 2022. wouldn't you block that man immediately if you receive those kinds of images? riff man immediately if you receive those kinds of images?— kinds of images? of course and

exlain kinds of images? of course and explain there — kinds of images? of course and explain there is _ kinds of images? of course and explain there is some _ kinds of images? of course and explain there is some kind i kinds of images? of course and explain there is some kind of. explain there is some kind of relationship _ explain there is some kind of relationship between - explain there is some kind of relationship between the i explain there is some kind ofj relationship between the two explain there is some kind of. relationship between the two of them. _ relationship between the two of them. i— relationship between the two of them. idont— relationship between the two of them, i don't mean _ relationship between the two of them, idon't mean an- relationship between the two of them, i don't mean an illicit i them, i don't mean an illicit relationship _ them, i don't mean an illicit relationship in _ them, i don't mean an illicit relationship in the - them, i don't mean an illicit relationship in the sense i them, i don't mean an illicit relationship in the sense ofl them, i don't mean an illicit i relationship in the sense of some kind connection _ relationship in the sense of some kind connection between - relationship in the sense of some kind connection between them, l relationship in the sense of some i kind connection between them, but illicit in— kind connection between them, but illicit in the — kind connection between them, but illicit in the sense _ kind connection between them, but illicit in the sense they— kind connection between them, but illicit in the sense they were - illicit in the sense they were exchanging _ illicit in the sense they were exchanging pornography- illicit in the sense they were l exchanging pornography with illicit in the sense they were - exchanging pornography with each other. _ exchanging pornography with each other. this — exchanging pornography with each other. this is — exchanging pornography with each other, this is not _ exchanging pornography with each other, this is not somebody- exchanging pornography with each other, this is not somebody out. exchanging pornography with each other, this is not somebody out ofj other, this is not somebody out of the blue _ other, this is not somebody out of the blue giving _ other, this is not somebody out of the blue giving it _ other, this is not somebody out of the blue giving it to— other, this is not somebody out of the blue giving it to huw. - other, this is not somebody out of the blue giving it to huw. it's i other, this is not somebody out of the blue giving it to huw. it's a i the blue giving it to huw. it's a course — the blue giving it to huw. it's a course of— the blue giving it to huw. it's a course of conduct. _ the blue giving it to huw. it's a course of conduct. and - the blue giving it to huw. it's a course of conduct. and it is- course of conduct. and it is serious. _ course of conduct. and it is serious. though _ course of conduct. and it is serious. though i - course of conduct. and it is serious. though i note i course of conduct. and it is serious. though i note that course of conduct. and it is. serious. though i note that mr williams — serious. though i note that mr williams got _ serious. though i note that mr williams got a _ serious. though i note that mr williams got a suspended i serious. though i note that mr- williams got a suspended sentence. he did. _ williams got a suspended sentence. he did. a _ williams got a suspended sentence. he did. a two — williams got a suspended sentence. he did. a two year— williams got a suspended sentence. he did, a two year suspended - he did, a two year suspended sentence. salma shah, what about the reputational damage for the corporation? i am sure the director—general was hoping for a reset with the new government. we are four weeks from the election and suddenly tomorrow he is holding by the new culture secretary lisa nandy to explain what has gone on. i the new culture secretary lisa nandy to explain what has gone on.- to explain what has gone on. i think the difficulty — to explain what has gone on. i think the difficulty here _ to explain what has gone on. i think the difficulty here for _ to explain what has gone on. i think the difficulty here for the _ the difficulty here for the corporation is something that you touched on earlier, which is this question of trust. the idea that as a dimension, that actually, the elites arejust in a dimension, that actually, the elites are just in it for themselves. —— as adam mentioned.

and it is an is organisation fighting for trust day in, day out against things like disinformation, so it's really important the director—general gets his response right to this. whether there is a new government is with the irrelevant to the bbc, the bbc and its governance structures on the people around the table do not change. if i was advising the culture secretary for her meeting tomorrow, it would be about, what is the bbc board doing? and how to buy these investigations going? and especially the ones they have had about his conduct with junior members of staff, and is there something else they need to do in order to ensure that sanctity of that trust with the national broadcaster?— that trust with the national broadcaster? what about that investigation? _ broadcaster? what about that investigation? it _ broadcaster? what about that investigation? it was - broadcaster? what about that investigation? it was a - broadcaster? what about that i investigation? it was a newsnight inquiry into his conduct with genuine members of staff... about a ear auo, genuine members of staff... about a year ago. yeah- _ genuine members of staff... about a year ago, yeah. about _ genuine members of staff... about a year ago, yeah. about a _ genuine members of staff... about a year ago, yeah. about a year - genuine members of staff... about a year ago, yeah. about a year ago, i genuine members of staff... about a | year ago, yeah. about a year ago, so where is the — year ago, yeah. about a year ago, so where is the report? _ year ago, yeah. about a year ago, so where is the report? i— year ago, yeah. about a year ago, so where is the report? i try _ year ago, yeah. about a year ago, so where is the report? i try to - year ago, yeah. about a year ago, so where is the report? i try to get i where is the report? i try to get answers from — where is the report? i try to get answers from the _ where is the report? i try to get answers from the press - where is the report? i try to get answers from the press office i where is the report? i try to get i answers from the press office today. they have _ answers from the press office today. they have said robust processes are in place _ they have said robust processes are in place and —

they have said robust processes are in place and they have got to prioritise _ in place and they have got to prioritise the confidentiality and privacy— prioritise the confidentiality and privacy of the people who have made complaints _ privacy of the people who have made complaints as well as the person matthew— complaints as well as the person matthew edwards, who is subject to them. _ matthew edwards, who is subject to them. but— matthew edwards, who is subject to them. but we do not know whether that investigation has concluded, what _ that investigation has concluded, what it— that investigation has concluded, what it says. —— the person, hugh edwards. — what it says. —— the person, hugh edwards, who are subject to them. we do not _ edwards, who are subject to them. we do not know— edwards, who are subject to them. we do not know what details will be coming — do not know what details will be coming out at any stage,. there certainly— coming out at any stage,. there certainly have been reports that when _ certainly have been reports that when mr— certainly have been reports that when mr edwards had left the corporation, when he had resigned as a member— corporation, when he had resigned as a member of— corporation, when he had resigned as a member of staff, ultimately that whole _ a member of staff, ultimately that whole report and investigation would have disappeared. that has not been confirmed _ have disappeared. that has not been confirmed by the bbc but certainly there _ confirmed by the bbc but certainly there are — confirmed by the bbc but certainly there are people within the corporation who say there should be transparency and that the organisation has a duty of care to those junior staff who raised complaints and raised them initially anonymously with bbc newsnight. and i 'ust. .. anonymously with bbc newsnight. and i 'ust... i anonymously with bbc newsnight. ijust... i didn't anonymously with bbc newsnight. fich ijust... i didn't hear that anonymously with bbc newsnight. q"tc ijust... i didn't hear that until joejust said it, but ijust... i didn't hear that until joe just said it, but was the bbc told nine months ago that first marc

edwards are being investigated for offences of child abuse? —— huw edwards. offences of child abuse? -- huw edwards. . offences of child abuse? -- huw edwards.- did _ offences of child abuse? -- huw edwards.- did it, _ offences of child abuse? —— huw edwards. yes. did it, as far as i can see. _ edwards. yes. did it, as far as i can see, absolutely _ edwards. yes. did it, as faras i can see, absolutely nothing until the explosion when it was noticed he was charged on this morning he pleaded guilty, it seems to me inconceivable that nothing could have happened over nine months. so if i were lisa nandy, i would be asking, i mean, all these questions about this, the way he treated other staff, you will have to look into that, but that was known... what the bbc do between the november investigation and now?- bbc do between the november investigation and now? you're the la er, investigation and now? you're the lawyer. but _ investigation and now? you're the lawyer. but the — investigation and now? you're the lawyer, but the initial— investigation and now? you're the lawyer, but the initial statement | lawyer, but the initial statement were _ lawyer, but the initial statement were not— lawyer, but the initial statement were not the one this afternoon, did say, were not the one this afternoon, did say. it— were not the one this afternoon, did say. it struck— were not the one this afternoon, did say, it struck me as rather peculiar. _ say, it struck me as rather peculiar, it was informed about the arrest _ peculiar, it was informed about the arrest in confidence. is there some legal— arrest in confidence. is there some legal way— arrest in confidence. is there some legal way they could have been told

about _ legal way they could have been told about it _ legal way they could have been told about it and not in a position to take action...? it about it and not in a position to take action. . . ?_ about it and not in a position to take action. . . ? it was in confidence they couldn't _ take action. . . ? it was in confidence they couldn't tell _ take action. . . ? it was in confidence they couldn't tell people _ take action. . . ? it was in confidence they couldn't tell people but - take action. . . ? it was in confidence they couldn't tell people but they i they couldn't tell people but they could investigate for themselves and decide how to protect their own reputation. it decide how to protect their own reputation-— reputation. it is their argument that they had — reputation. it is their argument that they had a _ reputation. it is their argument that they had a duty _ reputation. it is their argument that they had a duty of- reputation. it is their argument that they had a duty of care i reputation. it is their argument that they had a duty of care in l that they had a duty of care in terms — that they had a duty of care in terms of— that they had a duty of care in terms of his— that they had a duty of care in terms of his mental— that they had a duty of care in terms of his mental health i that they had a duty of care in| terms of his mental health but that they had a duty of care in i terms of his mental health but they also say— terms of his mental health but they also say in — terms of his mental health but they also say in the _ terms of his mental health but they also say in the statement _ terms of his mental health but they also say in the statement that i terms of his mental health but they also say in the statement that it i also say in the statement that it was their— also say in the statement that it was their belief _ also say in the statement that it was their belief it _ also say in the statement that it was their belief it would - also say in the statement that it was their belief it would have i also say in the statement that it i was their belief it would have been at the _ was their belief it would have been at the point — was their belief it would have been at the point he _ was their belief it would have been at the point he was _ was their belief it would have been at the point he was charged, - was their belief it would have been at the point he was charged, evenl at the point he was charged, even though— at the point he was charged, even though that — at the point he was charged, even though that was _ at the point he was charged, even though that was after _ at the point he was charged, even though that was after he - at the point he was charged, even though that was after he resigned| at the point he was charged, even i though that was after he resigned at the end. _ though that was after he resigned at the end. that — though that was after he resigned at the end, that they— though that was after he resigned at the end, that they believe _ though that was after he resigned at the end, that they believe they i the end, that they believe they would — the end, that they believe they would have _ the end, that they believe they would have sacked _ the end, that they believe they would have sacked him - the end, that they believe theyl would have sacked him because the end, that they believe they i would have sacked him because they say it's— would have sacked him because they say it's a _ would have sacked him because they say it's a different _ would have sacked him because they say it's a different threshold, - say it's a different threshold, obviously. _ say it's a different threshold, obviously, when _ say it's a different threshold, obviously, when the - say it's a different threshold, obviously, when the cps i say it's a different threshold, i obviously, when the cps charge say it's a different threshold, - obviously, when the cps charge him, as opposed _ obviously, when the cps charge him, as opposed to — obviously, when the cps charge him, as opposed to just _ obviously, when the cps charge him, as opposed tojust being _ obviously, when the cps charge him, as opposed tojust being informed i as opposed tojust being informed he's been — as opposed tojust being informed he's been arrested... _ as opposed tojust being informed he's been arrested... but- as opposed to just being informed he's been arrested. . ._ he's been arrested... but that doesnt he's been arrested... but that doesn't make _ he's been arrested... but that doesn't make sense, - he's been arrested... but that doesn't make sense, even i he's been arrested... but that l doesn't make sense, even when he's been arrested... but that - doesn't make sense, even when you're charged there is still the presumption of innocence. the? charged there is still the presumption of innocence. they had a du of presumption of innocence. they had a duty of care — presumption of innocence. they had a duty of care to — presumption of innocence. they had a duty of care to him _ presumption of innocence. they had a duty of care to him but _ presumption of innocence. they had a duty of care to him but what - duty of care to him but what about the duty— duty of care to him but what about the duty of— duty of care to him but what about the duty of care to the younger employees who had come forward? [ want employees who had come forward? want to employees who had come forward? i want to remind our viewers, it was newsnight that initial story, we will talk about it of the pack. tonight the bbc has broadcast some new claims about huw edwards. yeah, that's right. a bbc employee has told us that they received what they believe

are inappropriate messages, that they received these messages on social media from the presenter. they believed they were uncomfortable and left them feeling awkward. they told us, "sadly, from my experience, he's been "sending suggestive messages to me. "they were inappropriate, there is a power dynamic that "makes them inappropriate." we have seen those messages which refer to the bbc staff members's appearance and they appear to be flirtatious. and they were sent this year. just to add to that, lucy, newsnight has spoken to two other people, one who currently works for the bbc, one a former bbc employee. i spoke to one of them. this person told me they'd never met the newsreader and this person said they received late—night messages on social media, including kisses from huw edwards, which they said believed was an abuse of power.

and our colleague lukejones spoke to someone who still works here who told us how the presenter had sent a private message on social media commenting on their physical appearance which gave them a cold shudder. that was almost a year ago. internally, newsnight came in for some flakfrom internally, newsnight came in for some flak from people sticking up for huw edwards. we still don't now about the inquiry. shouldn't we see it, now? i about the inquiry. shouldn't we see it, now? ~' ., , ., it, now? i think it would behove the bbc to reveal _ it, now? i think it would behove the bbc to reveal it _ it, now? i think it would behove the bbc to reveal it and _ it, now? i think it would behove the bbc to reveal it and it _ it, now? i think it would behove the bbc to reveal it and it is _ it, now? i think it would behove the bbc to reveal it and it is in - it, now? i think it would behove the bbc to reveal it and it is in their- bbc to reveal it and it is in their interests, to allay any concerns that there might be among junior staff that they could be overruled in relation to the stars. this does go back to this basic problem that here was the third highest paid person in the bbc and it does seem that there was an institutional urge not to make a fuss about it. one can understand that from the point of view of its prominence but i don't

think any commercial organisation, any commercial organisation would have felt reputation leave that it could afford to try and brush this under the carpet. you know, we have had an example this week, someone fired for making comments about female athletes being late because of on their make—up. a completely different category. fish of on their make-up. a completely different category.— different category. an employee can't be held _ different category. an employee can't be held responsible - different category. an employee can't be held responsible for - can't be held responsible for something going on in a person's private life —— an employer can't be held responsible. he was leading an extraordinary double life and i'm presupposing that even his family didn't know. you presupposing that even his family didn't know— didn't know. you might be right about that- _ didn't know. you might be right about that. i'd _ didn't know. you might be right about that. i'd be _ didn't know. you might be right about that. i'd be interested . didn't know. you might be right about that. i'd be interested to| about that. i'd be interested to know_ about that. i'd be interested to know from the secretary of state for culture. _ know from the secretary of state for culture, media and sport, tell us what _ culture, media and sport, tell us what you — culture, media and sport, tell us what you did when you knew about the inappropriate messages and about the fact in_ inappropriate messages and about the fact in november that he was to be investigated for these heinous chart

pornography offences. —— child pornography. the thing underlining this, huw_ pornography. the thing underlining this, huw edwards was the face of the bbc_ this, huw edwards was the face of the bbc and they were completely aware _ the bbc and they were completely aware that his personal reputation had the _ aware that his personal reputation had the most profound impact on the bbc, which _ had the most profound impact on the bbc, which is an incredibly important institution for the united kingdom _ important institution for the united kingdom. a important institution for the united kinudom. �* w' important institution for the united kinudom. �* ., important institution for the united kinadom. �* ., ., kingdom. a quick final thought. the archive. kingdom. a quick final thought. the archive- he — kingdom. a quick final thought. the archive. he is _ kingdom. a quick final thought. the archive. he is the _ kingdom. a quick final thought. the archive. he is the man _ kingdom. a quick final thought. the archive. he is the man introducing l archive. he is the man introducing the death of the queen, the coronation, the platinumjubilee, key moments in the corporation's history, our history as a nation. can we never play them again? the aroblem is can we never play them again? the problem is always going to be, youte — problem is always going to be, youte right, _ problem is always going to be, you're right, knowing - problem is always going to be, you're right, knowing what - problem is always going to be, you're right, knowing what is l problem is always going to be,| you're right, knowing what is in the private _ you're right, knowing what is in the private life — you're right, knowing what is in the private life of— you're right, knowing what is in the private life of your _ you're right, knowing what is in the private life of your employees, - private life of your employees, especiaiiv _ private life of your employees, especially when _ private life of your employees, especially when you _ private life of your employees, especially when you are - private life of your employees, especially when you are an - especially when you are an organisation _ especially when you are an organisation the _ especially when you are an organisation the size - especially when you are an organisation the size of- especially when you are an| organisation the size of the especially when you are an - organisation the size of the bbc, is impossible — organisation the size of the bbc, is impossible the _ organisation the size of the bbc, is impossible. the question - organisation the size of the bbc, is impossible. the question is, - organisation the size of the bbc, is impossible. the question is, when| impossible. the question is, when the revelations— impossible. the question is, when the revelations came _ impossible. the question is, when the revelations came to _ impossible. the question is, when the revelations came to light, - impossible. the question is, when. the revelations came to light, when peopie _ the revelations came to light, when people complained _ the revelations came to light, when people complained about _ the revelations came to light, when people complained about him - the revelations came to light, when people complained about him in - the revelations came to light, when| people complained about him in the organisation, — people complained about him in the organisation, what _ people complained about him in the organisation, what was _ people complained about him in the organisation, what was the - people complained about him in the organisation, what was the bbc - organisation, what was the bbc reaction? — organisation, what was the bbc reaction? that's— organisation, what was the bbc reaction? that's really- organisation, what was the bbc . reaction? that's really important. the culture — reaction? that's really important. the culture secretary— reaction? that's really important. the culture secretary must - reaction? that's really important. i the culture secretary must answer

that question _ the culture secretary must answer that question and _ the culture secretary must answer that question and i _ the culture secretary must answer that question and i think— the culture secretary must answer that question and i think the - the culture secretary must answer that question and i think the bbc. that question and i think the bbc board _ that question and i think the bbc board must— that question and i think the bbc board must answer— that question and i think the bbc board must answer that - that question and i think the bbc board must answer that question that question and i think the bbc- board must answer that question and investigate _ board must answer that question and investigate it— board must answer that question and investigate it thoroughly _ board must answer that question and investigate it thoroughly once - board must answer that question and investigate it thoroughly once we - investigate it thoroughly once we have the results _ investigate it thoroughly once we have the results of— investigate it thoroughly once we have the results of this _ investigate it thoroughly once we have the results of this inquiry. l have the results of this inquiry. weti— have the results of this inquiry. we'll have _ have the results of this inquiry. we'll have to _ have the results of this inquiry. we'll have to leave it _ have the results of this inquiry. we'll have to leave it there. - have the results of this inquiry. i we'll have to leave it there. thank you for your company, adam. we asked the bbc for an interview, the director—general tim davie was not available and our interview request was declined. the israeli prime minister says they are preparing for a variety of possible responses from hezbollah, iran and hamas, following two targeted assassinations in the past 2a hours. first the strike on top hezbollah commander fuad shukr in lebanon, here on the left, and then an air strike in tehran that took out the political leader of hamas, ismail haniyeh. fuad shukrlt was a direct strike on the apartment in which he was staying. iran's ayatollah khameini says there will be vengeance. it's unclear though how far that response might go. in his statement tonight benjamin netanyahu said israel had delivered "crushing blows" to its enemies. translation: anyone -

who slaughters our children, anyone who murders our citizens, anyone who hits our country will have blood on his own head. citizens of israel, challenging days lie ahead. since the strike on beirut, there are threats from all directions. we are prepared for any scenario. we will stand united and determined against any threat. israel will exact a heavy price for any aggression against us. i'm nowjoined with nomi bar—yaacov, now of the chatham house think tank, formerly of the un secretary general�*s office and veteran of middle east peace negotiations. welcome to the programme. how would you assess where we are tonight? i you assess where we are tonight? i think we're in a very difficult place tonight. i think we are heading towards an inevitable escalation and i think we should all worry and think about how we can try to make things better and try to ensure that it doesn't blow completely out of proportion, into a terrible regional war. irate completely out of proportion, into a terrible regional war.— completely out of proportion, into a terrible regional war. we have some imaaes terrible regional war. we have some imaes i terrible regional war. we have some images i think— terrible regional war. we have some images i think of _ terrible regional war. we have some

images i think of ismail _ terrible regional war. we have some images i think of ismail haniyeh - terrible regional war. we have some images i think of ismail haniyeh in l images i think of ismail haniyeh in tehran meeting the supreme leader. he's been subscribed to li defined in some circles as a moderate. is that how you would describe him? —— he has been defined. he is practical- _ he has been defined. he is practical. hamas _ he has been defined. he is practical. hamas is - he has been defined. he is practical. hamas is not - he has been defined. he is practical. hamas is not a l he has been defined. he: 3 practical. hamas is not a homogenous group and he is different to yahya sinwar, the leader of hamas in gaza, and different to the leader of the military wing who masterminded and executed the horrific attacks in october. taking out the lead negotiator in a very, very complex ceasefire hostage release negotiation isn't necessarily the best way to move forward if you are interested in resolving gaza, which is the key, which is the key to stability, the first stage in a long line of benchmarks. the

stability, the first stage in a long line of benchmarks.— stability, the first stage in a long line of benchmarks. the decision as to what happens — line of benchmarks. the decision as to what happens next _ line of benchmarks. the decision as to what happens next probably - line of benchmarks. the decision as to what happens next probably rest| to what happens next probably rest in tehran but also in beirut. people i've spoken to over the last 2a hours said to me that what concerns them is that both hezbollah and iran must establish deterrence. that is the concern. you cannot have, their perspective, an air strike on the political court in tehran or in the base of hezbollah in beirut. is that a fair point? it base of hezbollah in beirut. is that a fair point?— a fair point? it is clearly embarrassing _ a fair point? it is clearly embarrassing for- a fair point? it is clearly embarrassing for iran i a fair point? it is clearly l embarrassing for iran that a fair point? it is clearly - embarrassing for iran that doctor ismail haniyeh was taken out in the heart of tehran come in a place that is supposed to the secure, and his bodyguard, who is iranian, was also taken out. �* , , taken out. and they did this while he was visiting _ taken out. and they did this while

he was visiting and _ taken out. and they did this while he was visiting and so _ taken out. and they did this while he was visiting and so they - taken out. and they did this while he was visiting and so they did . taken out. and they did this while | he was visiting and so they did not have long to plan it. thea;r he was visiting and so they did not have long to plan it.— have long to plan it. they didn't but he has _ have long to plan it. they didn't but he has been _ have long to plan it. they didn't but he has been on _ have long to plan it. they didn't but he has been on the - have long to plan it. they didn't but he has been on the wanted | have long to plan it. they didn't i but he has been on the wanted list for a very, very long time. from their point of view, they are making their point of view, they are making the calculation, they have the intelligence, they can do it, what are the ramifications going to be? knowing that iran doesn't want to be hit directly, this was a hit on the hamas leader visiting tehran, which is not the same as targeting, you know, an iranian leader but at the same time saying a message to the iranian leaders, we can get at any of you at any time, which is also very worrying. of you at any time, which is also very worrying-— very worrying. that's the point, isn't it? he _ very worrying. that's the point, isn't it? he was _ very worrying. that's the point, isn't it? he was the _ very worrying. that's the point, | isn't it? he was the interlocutor for the ceasefire talks. there must be frustration within mr netanyahu's coalition that they haven't got yahya sinwar, so was he the most useful person to take off the table? i think yahya sinwar is the next on the list and the war isn't going to end before they can take him. it is

clear that is where they are aiming. there are three senior hamas leaders on the list, one of taken —— one of them was taken out, mohammed deif, who had masterminded the attacks and had survived dozens of assassination attempts in bizarre circumstances. presumed dead after previous assassination attempts. ismail haniyeh's three sons were taken out during eid in apriland his haniyeh's three sons were taken out during eid in april and his sister was taken out more recently and now, him. so yes, there is a lessee of assets in nations which will only breed, you know, more violence and it's very complicated. what breed, you know, more violence and it's very complicated.— it's very complicated. what about the internal _ it's very complicated. what about the internal politics _ it's very complicated. what about the internal politics in _ it's very complicated. what about the internal politics in israel, - the internal politics in israel, which you can't overlook regarding the broader picture? we've seen pictures this week of far right mobs

trying to get into a barix where reservists have been arrested for abusing palestinian prisoners, let in by a far right member of netanyahu's coalition. there is clearly a division between the hard right in israel and where the military would like to go next. netanyahu has practised a divide and rule policy for many, many years. that is his modus operandi, with devastating effects. democracy is eroding quickly because his far right coalition, not necessarily the elements that were storming into the base, but the minister ofjustice has been leading an anti—democratic coup for many months and it has quietly been going on during the war, and eroding that. so the schism and division in society is very deep and division in society is very deep and wide, with the coalition on one side. ., ., _,

and wide, with the coalition on one side-— thanks i side. thanks for coming in. thanks for havina side. thanks for coming in. thanks for having me- _ in southport, they have been clearing up today. dozens of volunteers turned up at the local mosque to fix the walls and help repair the damage from a riot last night in which 27 police officers were injured. merseyside police said some of those who confronted the mob last night were the same officers who had attended the scene of the knife attack on monday. the violence has been widely condemned but what about the role of social media? what about nigel farage, who the deputy prime minister suggested today had been stoking of the same conspiracy theories circulating online? i have to say there are one or two questions. was this guy being monitored by the security services? some reports say that he was. others are less sure. the police say it is a non—terror incident. just as they said the stabbing of an army lieutenant colonel in uniform on the streets of kent the other day was a non—terror incident. i just wonder whether the truth is being withheld from us. i don't know.

i believe it's a fair and legitimate question. in response to the criticism he has faced today mr farage said it was perfectly reasonable in light of recent incidents, to ask what is happening to law and order in our country. i know that he has been on gb news tonight come on his show, making more comments?— tonight come on his show, making more comments? yes, defending his comments — more comments? yes, defending his comments he _ more comments? yes, defending his comments. he says _ more comments? yes, defending his comments. he says that _ more comments? yes, defending his comments. he says that the - more comments? yes, defending his. comments. he says that the questions he posed _ comments. he says that the questions he posed were — comments. he says that the questions he posed were legitimate _ comments. he says that the questions he posed were legitimate and - comments. he says that the questions he posed were legitimate and that - he posed were legitimate and that the internet— he posed were legitimate and that the internet was _ he posed were legitimate and that the internet was awash _ he posed were legitimate and that the internet was awash with - he posed were legitimate and that the internet was awash with all. the internet was awash with all sorts— the internet was awash with all sorts of— the internet was awash with all sorts of theories, _ the internet was awash with all sorts of theories, which - the internet was awash with allj sorts of theories, which proved to be unfounded _ sorts of theories, which proved to be unfounded. sometimes - sorts of theories, which proved to be unfounded. sometimes tell. sorts of theories, which proved to| be unfounded. sometimes tell the public— be unfounded. sometimes tell the pubiic the — be unfounded. sometimes tell the public the truth _ be unfounded. sometimes tell the public the truth and _ be unfounded. sometimes tell the public the truth and you _ be unfounded. sometimes tell the public the truth and you might - be unfounded. sometimes tell thei public the truth and you might stop a riot _ public the truth and you might stop a riot happening~ _ public the truth and you might stop a riot happening. he _ public the truth and you might stop a riot happening. he described - public the truth and you might stop a riot happening. he described hisi a riot happening. he described his intervention— a riot happening. he described his intervention as _ a riot happening. he described his intervention as gentle _ a riot happening. he described his i intervention as gentle questions. of course _ intervention as gentle questions. of course we _ intervention as gentle questions. of course we are — intervention as gentle questions. of course we are in— intervention as gentle questions. of course we are in a— intervention as gentle questions. of course we are in a difficult - course we are in a difficult situation, _ course we are in a difficult situation, the _ course we are in a difficult situation, the police are l course we are in a difficult. situation, the police are very restricted _ situation, the police are very restricted about _ situation, the police are very restricted about what - situation, the police are very restricted about what they. situation, the police are very. restricted about what they can situation, the police are very - restricted about what they can say during _ restricted about what they can say during an — restricted about what they can say during an investigation. _ restricted about what they can say during an investigation. you - during an investigation. you wouldn't _ during an investigation. you wouldn't expect— during an investigation. you wouldn't expect a _ during an investigation. you wouldn't expect a running . during an investigation. you _ wouldn't expect a running commentary from merseyside — wouldn't expect a running commentary from merseyside police. _ wouldn't expect a running commentary from merseyside police. although- wouldn't expect a running commentary from merseyside police. although one| from merseyside police. although one individual— from merseyside police. although one individual has — from merseyside police. although one individual has been _ from merseyside police. although one individual has been arrested, - from merseyside police. although one individual has been arrested, we - from merseyside police. although one individual has been arrested, we as. individual has been arrested, we as the media — individual has been arrested, we as the media would _ individual has been arrested, we as the media would never— individual has been arrested, we as the media would never normally i individual has been arrested, we as. the media would never normally name anvone _ the media would never normally name anvone uniess — the media would never normally name anyone unless someone _ the media would never normally name anyone unless someone is _ the media would never normally name anyone unless someone is charged - the media would never normally name | anyone unless someone is charged and also we _ anyone unless someone is charged and also we are _ anyone unless someone is charged and

also we are talking _ anyone unless someone is charged and also we are talking about _ anyone unless someone is charged and also we are talking about somebody i also we are talking about somebody under— also we are talking about somebody under the _ also we are talking about somebody under the age — also we are talking about somebody under the age of— also we are talking about somebody under the age of 18. _ also we are talking about somebody under the age of 18. privacy- also we are talking about somebody under the age of 18. privacy law- under the age of 18. privacy law restricts — under the age of 18. privacy law restricts somebody— under the age of 18. privacy law restricts somebody who - under the age of 18. privacy law restricts somebody who has - under the age of 18. privacy law restricts somebody who has not under the age of 18. privacy law- restricts somebody who has not been charged _ restricts somebody who has not been charged ireing — restricts somebody who has not been charged being named _ restricts somebody who has not been charged being named and _ restricts somebody who has not been charged being named and there - restricts somebody who has not been charged being named and there are l charged being named and there are laws charged being named and there are iaws around — charged being named and there are laws around young _ charged being named and there are laws around young people. - charged being named and there are laws around young people.- laws around young people. gentle auestions laws around young people. gentle questions or _ laws around young people. gentle questions or stoking _ laws around young people. gentle questions or stoking the - laws around young people. gentle questions or stoking the unrest? l laws around young people. gentle i questions or stoking the unrest? the method of using the gentle questions ithink— method of using the gentle questions i think is— method of using the gentle questions i think is an _ method of using the gentle questions i think is an interesting one because _ i think is an interesting one because it is not about inciting any vioience. — because it is not about inciting any vioience. it— because it is not about inciting any violence, it is not about suggesting anvthing _ violence, it is not about suggesting anything as fact, because we have been _ anything as fact, because we have been looking at the issue of disinformation. it is gently guiding peopie _ disinformation. it is gently guiding people towards the idea that actually law and order has broken down _ actually law and order has broken down. nigel farage is now a parliamentarian, he is someone who would _ parliamentarian, he is someone who would benefit from some of this attention— would benefit from some of this attention and the reform party would benefit _ attention and the reform party would benefit from some of this attention, so i benefit from some of this attention, so i think— benefit from some of this attention, so i think it — benefit from some of this attention, so i think it was a calculated intervention at this point in time. of the _ intervention at this point in time. of the most irresponsible sort. he said that they said it was not terrorist, in the same way they said

it wasn't terrorist,