News about John Simpson

MICK HUME: Emily Maitlis, a former BBC Newsnight presenter, has been honoured as a potential saviour of liberal journalism - and even democracy itself - from the 'evils' of populism and Brexit, following her big address at the Edinburgh Television Festival this week. Excited groupies in the Remainer bastions of social media hailed her as both 'a ****ing God' and 'a Goddess' (gender identity bases covered) and declared: 'All hail Emily Maitlis!' If you can't, do us a favor. In truth, Maitlis' deranged sermon revealed her to be the embodiment of all that is bad about the smug, self-right BBC, a broadcaster that has abandoned any hope of objective reporting in favour of partisan tub-thumping. Worse, the elitist outlook she portrays on both media freedom and democracy, the pillars of modern liberal Britain, was revealed.

After Maitlis' announcement on Newsnight that they had sought to'pacify' No 10 for comments regarding Dominic Cummings (right) and lockdown rules, BBC veteran John Simpson defended the corporation's political coverage. Mr Simpson said that the BBC was not 'timid,' but that it represented the 'essence of public service broadcasting,' as he said the corporation's job was to'lay the charges open before people and encourage them to make up their own minds.' During a performance at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Maitlis, 51, who left the BBC this year to join media company Global, made her remarks.

As the Superchargers were thrown to bat, England fringe quick bowler Luke Wood and fellow seamer Luke Fletcher struck twice apiece before he departed to 68 for six after 53 runs before a blistering 50 off David Wiese ensured respectability at 152 for eight. However, it was never going to be enough in a notoriously fast-scoring venue, and the Rockets won by seven wickets with six balls remaining. Malan, a Yorkshireman, led the chase on home soil, sharing 86 with opening partner Alex Hales (43). In 49 balls, Malan achieved three leg-side sixes.