#HurricaneDorian has finally moved away from the #Bahamas, leaving a devastating trail of destruction in its wake. Now the rescue & recovery operation can begin in earnest - with a desperate need for help in the northern islands. I’m in the capital #Nassau @GMB. The @RoyalNavy already has @RFAMountsBay in the area, able to distribute aid by helicopter. @joncstone from @DFID_UK is helping to assess how British resources are best used, working with @SarahDicksonUK who opened the new High Commission in the #Bahamas just two weeks ago

Florida now starting to feel the effects of the outer bands of #HurricaneDorian. Latest pictures from #Bahamas are horrible - massive destruction by wind and floods. The storm lessening slightly, but still heading towards the US coast where millions wait & prepare. More @GMB Families have been having fun on the #Florida east coast beaches, but this father is also having to deal with his children’s fear as #HurricaneDorian approaches.

“There was blood everywhere”. Violent late night brawl in the buffet onboard @pocruises Britannia left staff who intervened injured, as passengers used furniture and plates as weapons. Witnesses told me they were so frightened they had to hide, as family groups fought. The violence occurred on the final leg of a week long cruise to Norway’s fjords. I became aware of trouble when officers made an emergency tannoy at 2AM for security staff to rush to the 16th floor restaurant. I went too and found passengers shocked by what they’d seen.

Horrific crash at a modified car meet in #Stevenage has left 14 injured, some seriously. Organisers asked for no racing or anti-social behaviour at last night’s event. Two cars crashed, ploughing into spectators. I’m at the scene @GMB Seems clear that those attending the Hertfordshire car cruise event didn’t stay static as organisers asked. Car parks show evidence of drivers doing “donuts” and stunts before the horrendous accident.

Take your seats for Jeremy Hunt’s update on the UK Ambassador’s Trump memos leak scandal. A press conference in the Locarno Room at the @foreignoffice is long planned, a diary event to discuss worldwide persecution of Christians. Foreign Secretary with Bishop of Truro Philip Mounstephen. He’s delivered a “harrowing report” into “Christophobia”. Jeremy Hunt says in the Mid East future of Christianity as a living religion is in doubt
Says govt efforts on behalf of Christians do not match scale of problem.

No golden goodbye from @theresa_may to Vladimir Putin in #G20 talks. Seems like she’s confronted him about most things weighing on her mind. Not quite what the Russian President wanted to hear. Will paste quotes from a Downing St spokesperson below.... “She told the President that there cannot be a normalisation of our bilateral relationship until Russia stops the irresponsible and destabilising activity that threatens the UK and its allies - including hostile interventions in other countries, disinformation and cyber attacks”

£2.4 million of public cash spent to refurbish Meghan & Harry’s new home, @RoyalFamily accounts show today. Queen & family cost each of us in UK £1.24 last year- funding foreign trips, events and buildings. Royal author @DuncanLarcombe says @GMB cost of Sussex’s home will shock. I’m at Buckingham Palace @GMB - where refurbishment work added to the Queen’s expenses in the last year. First up though, responding to @piersmorgan’s question on the £2.4m cost of creating a home fit for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Uncharacteristic nerves? @BorisJohnson seemingly a little ill at ease, looking down at his script, as the strains of “Stop Brexit” can be heard outside his campaign launch. “The EU will see a new Government with a new mandate.”

But without a general election where does that mandate come from?

Beautiful morning in #Portsmouth ahead of #DDay75 commemorations. The sacrifice of so many remembered in a service on Southsea Common. Hundreds of veterans will be joined by the Queen, @realDonaldTrump and others. Public will have to watch on screens behind security barriers. Was an honour to meet Harold Smithard - now 94. As a 19 year old Able Seaman he was on one of the first troop carriers to arrive on the Normandy coast. He doesn’t want Presidents or Prime Ministers at today’s event - says they’ve turned it into a political stunt.