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New York state government to monitor its use of AI under a new lawVice President Kashim Shettima on Monday revealed that Nigeria returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences across Europe and America in 2024 alone. He also applauded what he described as the invaluable contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying Nigeria accounts for the highest of all diaspora remittances in West Africa. The Vice President spoke on Monday during the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with the theme, ‘Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights,’ at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the closing ceremony in a statement he signed Monday titled ‘Migration: VP Shettima lauds Nigeria’s contributions to the global economy.’ Apart from diaspora remittances, Shettima said Nigerian migrants had become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours. Noting that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within, he cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration. “However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge. “In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who had been detained for immigration offences in African and European countries. “These figures highlight the vulnerabilities that come with migration and emphasise the need for coordinated efforts to address these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth and resilience,” the VP warned. The VP argued that migration is not a mere crossover from one geography to another. Rather, it is a critical driver of global and national development. Buttressing his point with figures, he said, “In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9bn in diaspora remittances, representing 64 per cent of all remittances in West Africa. This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants. “Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800m in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.” Senator Shettima observed that while the Annual National Migration Dialogue coincides with the commemoration of International Migrants Day, the theme of the dialogue sparks solemn “reflection on the dual essence of migration—its remarkable contributions to society and the enduring need to safeguard the rights of those who undertake these journeys.” Nevertheless, VP Shettima affirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to tackling the challenges of migration, a resolve he said the President reaffirmed at this year’s United Nations General Assembly. “The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains resolute in addressing migration challenges. Earlier this year, at the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, a vital framework to ensure that migration benefits all while protecting the rights of migrants. “Our government’s response has been multi-faceted, involving several agencies and robust partnerships. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, under the capable leadership of Honourable Federal Commissioner Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, continues to lead Nigeria’s migration coordination efforts. Related News Nigeria got $1.27bn capital from BRICS countries — Shettima Shettima departs Nigeria for Côte d'Ivoire Tinubu opens 2024 Africa Military Games in Abuja “This includes the ongoing review of the National Migration Policy to align with global best practices. Additionally, the Nigeria Immigration Service has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation in border management, adopting modern technologies and policies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency,” he explained. The VP further listed innovations aimed at addressing migration challenges including the “introduction of electronic gates at major airports to revolutionise the traveller experience and ensure faster, more secure clearance,” as well as “the rollout of e-passports, designed with advanced security features, facilitates seamless international travel while enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s travel documents. “The NIS has also expanded access to Nigerian visas through online platforms, making it easier for travellers to apply and obtain visas. “This includes the Visa-on-Arrival policy, which has enhanced Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for business and tourism,” he added. The Vice President also cited partnerships with the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, among other agencies, pointing out that they have been invaluable in advancing migration governance. He implored participants at the dialogue to come up with practical solutions that, instead, celebrate and advance the legacies as well as the rights of Nigerian migrants. Earlier in his welcome address, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Ahmed, said the dialogue has provided an invaluable space to reflect on the migration conversation, progress and formulating policies to address their challenges. He noted that this year’s theme aligns with the global theme of celebrating International Migrants’ Day, honouring the contributions of migrants and accepting their rights. He noted, “Over the years, the Commission has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of all categories of migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, asylum seekers and returnees.” Also, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the Nigerian diaspora represents the best of the world: hard-working, brilliant, intelligent, and developing world economies. “The key question is, do we reduce irregular migration? We want everyone to come together to make sure that Africans are not dying in the process of making their lives better,” Dabiri-Erewa said. On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Muhammed Ladan, in a keynote address, noted that migrants, by whatever classification, are human beings entitled to fundamental human rights. “Nigerians in diaspora have never been parasites on the economy of any nation because they are known to be highly educated with personal attributes of resilience, hard work, skills, and excellence. Also, the representative of the Head of Region, West Africa for the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Mojisola Sodeinde, said Nigeria will take leadership of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, also known as the Rabat Process, from January 2025. He said Nigeria’s headship of this migration dialogue body, a gathering of 57 countries, is an opportunity for the country to show its leadership role.
AP Business SummaryBrief at 4:48 p.m. EST
Farage: Badenoch must apologise for ‘crazy conspiracy theory’ on Reform numbersCollege football bowl picks, playoff and non-playoff games alike
Percentages: FG .448, FT .875. 3-Point Goals: 1-16, .063 (Dezonie 1-2, Berry 0-1, Brown 0-2, Stanford 0-2, Gray 0-3, Mashburn 0-3, Settle 0-3). Team Rebounds: 4. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Berry 2, Durodola, Settle). Turnovers: 15 (Berry 5, Mashburn 4, Dezonie 2, Durodola, Gray, Settle, Stanford). Steals: 4 (Dezonie 2, Brown, Durodola). Technical Fouls: Gray, 9:51 second. Percentages: FG .395, FT .750. 3-Point Goals: 7-25, .280 (McKeithan 3-6, Lilley 2-4, Marrero 1-4, Shepherd 1-5, White 0-2, Vahlberg Fasasi 0-4). Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 8 (Lilley 2, Jones, Marrero, McKeithan, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi, White). Turnovers: 6 (White 2, Jones, Marrero, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi). Steals: 12 (Marrero 3, Jones 2, McKeithan 2, White 2, Etienne, Lilley, Vahlberg Fasasi). Technical Fouls: None. .FOOTIE superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 bill. Dr Roshan Ravindran — known as Dr Rosh — claims the former Man United star, 39, owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022. 2 Dr Roshan Ravindran claims Ronaldo owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022 Credit: Getty The former cardiologist’s specialisms include botox and fillers , skin care and eyebrow lifting . He names Ronaldo — famous for his “siuuu” goal celebration — in a formal court form. He does not mention the player’s partner Georgina Rodríguez, 30, but the claim says he did work for Ronaldo “and members of his family and entourage” at his Cheshire clinic. When approached for comment, Dr Rosh, who also runs KLNIK branches in Manchester and London, said: “There is an ongoing legal matter and, as a professional, I do not discuss my patients.” Read More on Sport ARSENAL RATINGS Odegaard a class above as Jorginho hooked at half-time after yellow card TOP OF THE CLASS Liverpool's Salah is NOT world class... but here are five players who are A source said: “Dr Rosh is highly respected and is the silent expert behind figures including top politicians, royalty, sports stars and Hollywood icons. “When it comes to procedures like botox and fillers, Dr Rosh is undeniably the number one choice. “His clientele value absolute discretion as well as world-class treatments.” Ace Ronaldo — now playing in Saudi Arabia on £173million a year — was approached for comment. Most read in Football HEARTS 1 CELTIC 4 Ice cool Idah hits a hot streak at chilly Tynecastle as Hoops go 3 clear OFFICIAL CHANGE Bizarre moment Hearts v Celtic was delayed with three minutes to go SCOTT PROPERTY Celtic legend Scott Brown splashes out £2million on luxury pad with pool DOWN AND OUT Rangers boss Philippe Clement admits he has 'no credit left in the bank' 2 Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 bill Credit: EPA Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan's phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floorSatellite Phone Store Steps in to Support Malibu Wildfire Recovery with Lifesaving Communication Tools
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Host Hotels & Resorts HST underwent analysis by 6 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish. The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 2 3 1 0 0 Last 30D 0 1 0 0 0 1M Ago 1 1 1 0 0 2M Ago 1 0 0 0 0 3M Ago 0 1 0 0 0 In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Host Hotels & Resorts, presenting an average target of $20.58, a high estimate of $22.00, and a low estimate of $19.00. Observing a 0.88% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $20.40. Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration The standing of Host Hotels & Resorts among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Dori Kesten Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $22.00 $21.00 Dori Kesten Wells Fargo Raises Overweight $21.00 $19.00 Simon Yarmak Stifel Lowers Buy $20.50 $21.00 Robin Farley UBS Lowers Neutral $19.00 $20.00 Floris Van Dijkum Compass Point Announces Buy $22.00 - Dori Kesten Wells Fargo Lowers Overweight $19.00 $21.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Host Hotels & Resorts. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company. Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Host Hotels & Resorts compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Host Hotels & Resorts's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations. Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Host Hotels & Resorts's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on Host Hotels & Resorts analyst ratings. Discovering Host Hotels & Resorts: A Closer Look Host Hotels & Resorts owns 81 predominantly urban and resort upper-upscale and luxury hotel properties representing over 43,000 rooms, mainly in the United States. Host recently sold off the company's interests in a joint venture owning a portfolio of hotels throughout Europe and also sold other joint ventures that owned properties in Asia and the United States. The majority of Host's portfolio operates under the Marriott and Starwood brands. A Deep Dive into Host Hotels & Resorts's Financials Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position. Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Host Hotels & Resorts showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 8.65% as of 30 September, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Real Estate sector. Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 6.22%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control. Return on Equity (ROE): Host Hotels & Resorts's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 1.21%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health. Return on Assets (ROA): Host Hotels & Resorts's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 0.64%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health. Debt Management: Host Hotels & Resorts's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.84 , reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach. How Are Analyst Ratings Determined? Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks. Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
BEIRUT — Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country Sunday, bringing to a dramatic close his 13-year struggle to hold onto control as his country fragmented in a brutal civil war that became a proxy battlefield for regional and international powers. The exit of Assad, 59, stood in stark contrast to his first months as Syria’s unlikely president in 2000, when many hoped he would be a young reformer after three decades of his father’s iron grip. At age 34, the Western-educated ophthalmologist appeared as a geeky tech-savvy fan of computers with a gentle demeanor. But when faced with protests of his rule that erupted in March 2011, Assad turned to the brutal tactics of his father to crush dissent. As the uprising hemorrhaged into an outright civil war, he unleashed his military to blast opposition-held cities, with support from allies Iran and Russia. The war has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half of the country’s prewar population of 23 million. International rights groups and prosecutors alleged widespread use of torture and extrajudicial killings in Syria’s government-run detention centers. The conflict appeared to be frozen in recent years, and though Damascus remained under crippling Western sanctions, neighboring countries began to resign themselves to Assad’s continued hold on power. In November, opposition groups in northwest Syria launched an offensive. Government forces quickly collapsed while Assad’s allies, preoccupied by other conflicts — Russia’s war in Ukraine and the wars between Israel and the Iran-backed militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas — appeared reluctant to forcefully intervene. Assad came to power in 2000 by a twist of fate. His father cultivated Bashar’s oldest brother, Basil, as his successor, but in 1994, Basil was killed in a car crash in Damascus. Bashar was brought home from his ophthalmology practice in London, put through military training and elevated to the rank of colonel to establish his credentials so he could one day rule. When Hafez Assad died in 2000, parliament quickly lowered the presidential age requirement from 40 to 34. Bashar’s elevation was sealed by a nationwide referendum, in which he was the only candidate. Hafez, a lifelong military man, ruled the country for nearly 30 years during which he set up a Soviet-style centralized economy and kept such a stifling hand over dissent that Syrians feared even to joke about politics to their friends. He pursued a secular ideology that sought to bury sectarian differences under Arab nationalism and the image of heroic resistance to Israel. He formed an alliance with the Shiite clerical leadership in Iran, sealed Syrian domination over Lebanon and set up a network of Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups. Tall and lanky with a slight lisp, Bashar had a quiet, gentle demeanor. His only official position before becoming president was head of the Syrian Computer Society. His wife, Asma al-Akhras, whom he married months after taking office, was attractive, stylish and British-born. The young couple, who eventually had three children, seemed to shun trappings of power. They lived in an apartment in the upscale Abu Rummaneh district of Damascus, as opposed to a palatial mansion like other Arab leaders. Initially upon coming to office, Assad freed political prisoners and allowed more open discourse. In the “Damascus Spring,” salons for intellectuals emerged where Syrians could discuss art, culture and politics to a degree impossible under his father. But after 1,000 intellectuals signed a public petition calling for multiparty democracy and greater freedoms in 2001, and others tried to form a political party, the salons were snuffed out by the feared secret police, who jailed dozens of activists. Assad turned to economic reforms. He slowly lifted economic restrictions, let in foreign banks, threw the doors open to imports and empowered the private sector. Damascus and other cities saw a flourishing of shopping malls, new restaurants and consumer goods. Tourism swelled. Abroad, he stuck to the line his father set, based on the alliance with Iran and a policy of insisting on a full return of the Israel-annexed Golan Heights, though Assad never militarily confronted Israel. In 2005, he lost Syria’s decades-old control over neighboring Lebanon after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. With many Lebanese accusing Damascus of being behind the slaying, Syria was forced to withdraw its troops from the country and a pro-American government came to power. At the same time, the Arab world split into two camps — one of U.S.-allied, Sunni-led countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the other of Syria and Shiite-led Iran with their ties to Hezbollah and Palestinian militants. Assad relied largely on the same power base at home as his father: his Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam comprising about 10% of the population. Many of the positions in his government went to younger generations of the same families that worked for his father. Drawn in as well were members of the new middle class created by his reforms, including prominent Sunni merchant families. Assad also turned to his own family. When 2011 protests erupted in Tunisia and Egypt, eventually toppling their rulers, Assad dismissed the possibility of the same occurring in Syria, insisting his regime was more in tune with its people. After the Arab Spring wave reached Syria, he blamed “foreign-backed terrorists” for trying to destabilize his regime and his security forces staged a brutal crackdown. As the uprising spiraled into a civil war, millions of Syrians fled to Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon and on to Europe. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Bendigo and its residents are being warned to brace for a very warm few days with temperatures expected to soar over the weekend. or signup to continue reading Temperatures for December 14, December 15 and December 16 are forecast to hit 31 degrees, 37 degrees and 43 degrees, respectively. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning people that maximum temperatures will reach the mid to high thirties over the weekend. This includes overnight minimum temperatures in the high teens to low twenties, which will increase to low to high twenties early next week. The severe heat from December 16 is expected to be immediately curtailed with December 17 only heating up to 28 degrees. The Bureau of Meteorology is advising people who can, to close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of the home. There is also a medium chance of showers expected on Tuesday. According to the CFA, the fire danger level for the Northern Country, which Greater Bendigo falls in, has been rated as moderate. There are restrictions in place with the total fire ban in effect for Greater Bendigo until May 2025. WA boy in Bendigo, happy to be in Central Victoria. WA boy in Bendigo, happy to be in Central Victoria. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Liberal DC Bartender Compares GOP Drinkers To Democrats. The Difference Is Too Good To Be True
Thomas Frank unhappy with officials in game with BrightonThe European Union will demand Sir Keir Starmer gives EU fishermen access to British waters and accept ECJ legal rulings in exchange for a new Brexit trade deal, a report has said. Brussels wants Britain to hand over legal decisions and judgements to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for an improved trading relationship. A blueprint seen by The Times is reported to say Sir Keir would have to guarantee EU fishermen access to UK waters and "effectively" undo Britain's marine protections. The document will be presented to a council of European ministers next week, according to the same publication ahead of formal trade talks set to start in 2025. As a start, Britain must accept the "status quo" on fishing before talks can begin, with the same level of catch allowances and access for EU boats. Another EU demand includes the dismantling of the UK's marine protection policy, amid French-led opposition. The document also says Starmer has to agree to drag all existing and new EU laws on food and agriculture onto the UK's statute books and for Britain to submit to ECJ rulings over EU law. According to The Times , the document states: "Member states are open to considering an agreement with the UK that would remove the SPS border between Great Britain and the Union on condition that there is full alignment to the Union acquis, and the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU is preserved for the interpretation of Union law". SPS stands for sanitary and phytosanitary. It is a term used to describe animal and plant goods, which under the existing EU-UK trade deal require extra certificates and licences. Brussels will also push for changes to freedom of movement with a youth mobility scheme, which had been rejected by the Labour Government over concerns about its impact on Britain's net migration. Sir Keir has ruled out a return to the EU's single market, customs union and freedom of movement, but he wants a new veterinary deal to reduce border checks. He also wants mutual recognition for some professional qualifications. Among the Prime Minister's many overseas visits since entering Downing Street in July, he has visited Paris, Berlin, Dublin and Rome as part of a charm offensive ahead of next year's talks. The first of a series of regular UK-EU leader summits is due to take place early next year. Sir Keir and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, have already agreed to strengthen cooperation. Formal talks on the UK's existing Brexit deal with the bloc are due to begin in 2025. The Department for Business and Trade has been approached for comment.
The grand final of the 2024 Apertura Tournament of Liga MX has arrived, and Mexican football fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between two of the country’s most iconic and representative teams: . is closing the season in spectacular fashion, aiming to make history by winning their third consecutive title, a feat that would be unprecedented in Mexican football and would further solidify their dominance in the league. Meanwhile, enters the match with a strong desire to break their title drought, which has lasted since 2019, when they famously defeated América in a memorable final held at the Estadio Azteca. READ ALSO The first leg of the 2024 Apertura Tournament Final of will take place this Sunday, December 15th. The match, which will determine the next champion of Mexican football, will kick off at 19:00 hours in Mexico and at 21:00 in the United States. In both Mexico and the United States, the match will be available live on the following channels: In a match that progressed from slow to intense, América came from behind to take control of the game. After a goal by Sergio Canales, the team quickly reacted and equalized just three minutes later before halftime. In the second half, Las Águilas dominated completely, going ahead with a goal from Zendejas that sealed the 2-1 final score. The standout player of the match was Luis Cárdenas, whose three crucial saves kept Monterrey’s hopes alive in this grand final. Everything will be decided next Sunday, December 15th, at the Estadio BBVA. The Apertura 2024 final will be the third time América and Monterrey face each other in a title match. Here’s a look at the other two finals between these two teams: The teams with the most Liga MX finals are: Cancela en cualquier momento Acceso exclusivo a rankings y radiografías. Análisis profundos y casos de estudio de éxito. Historial de la revista impresa en formato digital. ¡Disfruta de lo mejor del marketing sin costo alguno por unmes!
The Reform UK leader pushed back against reports suggesting that legal action would be the next step, saying he would make a decision in the next couple of days about his response if there is no apology for the “crazy conspiracy theory”. Mr Farage also said the party has “opened up our systems” to media outlets, including The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, in the interests of “full transparency to verify that our numbers are correct”. His remarks came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of “fakery” in response to Reform claiming they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. Mrs Badenoch said Reform’s counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. A digital counter on the Reform website showed a membership tally before lunchtime on Boxing Day ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party during its leadership election earlier this year. Mr Farage, on whether he was threatening legal action or not, told the PA news agency: “I haven’t threatened anything. I’ve just said that unless I get an apology, I will take some action. “I haven’t said whether it’s legal or anything.” He added: “All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action. “I will decide in the next couple of days what that is. So I’ve not specified what it is.” Mr Farage, on the move to make membership data available to media organisations, said: “We feel our arguments are fully validated. “She (Mrs Badenoch) has put out this crazy conspiracy theory and she needs to apologise.” The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News & FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. I am now demanding @KemiBadenoch apologises. — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 27, 2024 On why Mrs Badenoch had reacted as she did, Mr Farage said: “I would imagine she was at home without anybody advising her and was just angry.” Mr Farage, in a statement issued on social media site X, also said: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. “Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News and FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. “I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch apologises.” A Conservative Party source claimed Mr Farage was “rattled” that his Boxing Day “publicity stunt is facing serious questions”. They added: “Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year.” Mrs Badenoch, in a series of messages posted on X on Thursday, said: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.” There were 131,680 Conservative members eligible to vote during the party’s leadership election to replace Rishi Sunak in the autumn. Mrs Badenoch claimed in her thread that “the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election”. Elsewhere, Mr Farage described Elon Musk as a “bloody hero” and said he believes the US billionaire can help attract younger voters to Reform. Tech entrepreneur Mr Musk met Mr Farage earlier this month at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform. Mr Farage told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on and, frankly, that’s only just starting. “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course, you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. “And I think we’re beginning to get into that zone – we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real – Elon helps us with that mission enormously.”OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is the latest tech giant to open his wallet to welcome President-elect Donald Trump back to the White House. Altman plans to personally contribute $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund, according to an OpenAI spokesperson. “President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," Altman said in a statement. Altman's announcement comes after both Meta and Amazon announced plans to contribute $1 million to the inauguration, and as Google's CEO plans to meet with Trump. Amazon also will livestream the inauguration on Amazon Prime, which amounts to a $1 million in-kind contribution, according to a company spokesperson, and company founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos will meet with the president-elect next week. Tech companies are lining up to try to influence Trump's approach to the industry, which he has strongly criticized. Trump appointees for key jobs overseeing tech companies in his next administration are expected to take an aggressive approach. "Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!" Trump said in announcing his appointment of Gail Slater as assistant attorney general overseeing the antitrust division of the Department of Justice, adding she would continue his efforts to "fight these abuses." Trump has lashed out at Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at times. In addition to contributing to Trump's inauguration, both tech leaders have made other overtures to the president-elect in recent months. Zuckerberg meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach , Florida last month.