A British billionaire has announced he will return to the UK so he can legally donate millions of pounds to Reform UK at the next general election.
Ben Delo, 42, is planning to move home after spending years in Hong Kong.
Britain’s youngest self-made billionaire, who made his fortune as the brains behind the cryptocurrency trading platform BitMEX, accused Sir Keir Starmer of targeting expat Reform UK supporters by introducing a £100,000 cap on overseas donations.
Mr Delo now hopes to contribute to Reform UK’s “war chest”, with Nigel Farage already receiving £12million from Thailand-based billionaire Christopher Harborne.
“For Labour, sitting on its cushion of trade union funding, the idea that someone might create a level playing field by giving Reform as much money to spend as the other parties is intolerable,” Mr Delo said.
The 42-year-old also urged wealthy expats to defy Sir Keir’s “tinpot” attempt to create a “rigged game”.
Mr Farage told The Telegraph: “Our priority is to build a detailed programme for government so, if we are elected, we have the right policies in place to get Britain back on its feet as quickly as possible.
“Ben’s support will help Reform attract more of the skills and talents we need to get ready for government.
“Moreover, it is particularly gratifying to me personally, that someone like Ben, a builder and a visionary and a problem-solver, who has spent a lifetime grasping trends before other people do, sees the potential of Reform.”
FOLLOW ALONG FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…
- about 11 hours ago‘Nato turned their backs on the American people’, says Donald Trump
- about 11 hours agoSNP in ‘absolute pole position’ to scoop Holyrood elections as Labour support dwindles
- about 12 hours agoJohn Swinney says Iran ceasefire is a chance for UK to “step back from the brink”
- about 13 hours ago‘Only Reform will protect women and girls’ says Nigel Farage
- about 13 hours ago‘Burden shifting’ amongst Nato member states as talks with US continue
- about 14 hours agoGovernment allocate whopping £50 million to broaden defence innovation in the south West of England
- about 14 hours ago‘He’s upset the Americans, he’s upset the Cypriots, he’s upset the Gulf states’, says Nigel Farage of PM
- about 15 hours ago‘A lot of work still to do’ says Keir Starmer in light of US-Israeli and Iran ceasefire
- about 15 hours agoGovernment approves vast solar grid project to help rectify Iran war energy crisis
- about 15 hours agoNigel Farage shuts down ‘ludicrous’ claim his party was cold-calling public to stand in elections
- about 17 hours agoKeir Starmer touches down in Saudi Arabia in visit to Gulf allies after last-minute ceasefire deal
- about 17 hours agoRichard Tice vows to greenlight applications for North Sea drilling as part of Reform’s four-point energy plan
- about 17 hours ago‘Madness!’ Reform’s Scottish leader blasts restriction of North Sea drilling
- about 18 hours agoKeir Starmer to travel to Middle East today to meet allies amid last-minute Iran ceasefire
- about 19 hours agoBritain urged to ‘completely forget’ special relationship by ex-National Security Adviser
- about 19 hours agoMore than half of Britons oppose resident doctors’ strike action amid six-day walkout, poll reveals
- about 20 hours ago‘We got things wrong!’ Top Tory stresses party ‘changing our behaviour’ after lax defence spending
- about 21 hours ago‘Not fair to say we have not been there in defensive role’, Policing Minister tells GB News
- about 21 hours ago‘Where was he when Cyprus was attacked?!’ Ellie Costello grills Labour minister over PM’s ‘lacklustre’ Iran response
- about 21 hours agoKemi Badenoch accuses Labour of being ‘soft on unions’ as leader promises to ban doctor strikes
- about 22 hours agoKeir Starmer’s trip to Gulf planned ahead of ceasefire deal announcement
- about 22 hours agoPM has ‘cost Britain its credibility on the world stage’, Sir James Cleverly tells GB News
- about 22 hours agoKeir Starmer blasted for ‘indecision’ and leaving allies ‘disappointed’ over Iran war
- about 22 hours agoGlobal oil prices plummet following US-Iran ceasefire announcement
- about 23 hours agoTories vow to BAN four-day work weeks on full pay
- about 23 hours agoWhat is happening in UK politics today?
‘Nato turned their backs on the American people’, says Donald Trump
Donald Trump is set to ‘unleash hell’ on Iran | REUTERSNato was “tested and they failed” during the Iran war, Donald Trump has said ahead of “a very frank and candid conversation” with the head of the military alliance in Washington.
The US president’s criticism was shared at a news conference by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Reading out a “direct quote” from Mr Trump on Nato, Ms Leavitt said: “They were tested and they failed”.
She added: “It’s quite sad that Nato turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks, when it’s the American people who have been funding their defence”.
The comments came ahead of a meeting between the president and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte at the White House.
Ms Leavitt added: “I know Mr Trump looks forward to having a very frank and candid conversation with him”.
SNP in ‘absolute pole position’ to scoop Holyrood elections as Labour support dwindles
A poll has the SNP “absolutely in pole position” in the run-up to next month’s Holyrood election – with the same study showing a fall in support for Labour as the party fights for second place.
Research by Ipsos put support for the SNP at 39% in the constituency section of the ballot, up by three points from March.
Meanwhile, support for Labour in the constituency vote was down five points, the poll found, with both Anas Sarwar’s party and Reform UK on 15%.
The latest Ipsos Scottish Political Monitor, carried out for STV News, put support for the Tories up by two points to 11%, with the Liberal Democrats on 10% and the Scottish Greens, who are only standing in some constituencies, on 7%.
On the regional list section, the SNP had also increased its lead over its rivals, with support up to 29%, ahead of the Scottish Greens on 16%, with Reform UK having the same levels of support.
Support for Labour had dropped to 15% on the regional ballot, according to the poll, with the Tories on 13% and the Liberal Democrats on 9%
Seat projections showed such a result could see the SNP win 63 seats at Holyrood on May 7 – just short of the overall majority that leader John Swinney is targeting.
John Swinney says Iran ceasefire is a chance for UK to “step back from the brink”
The Iran ceasefire deal struck overnight is a chance to “step back from the brink”, First Minister John Swinney has said.
Speaking during a visit to Stornoway in the Western Isles, the SNP leader said the deal could be a chance for “lasting peace”, as he urged the UK Government to offer more support for people struggling with increased energy prices as a result of the conflict.
“I welcome the fact that we have an opportunity to work for peace as a consequence of the steps that have been taken overnight, and I pay tribute to the countries that have contributed significantly to this, principally Pakistan, Oman and Egypt and, obviously, I welcome the engagement that has taken place,” he said.
“This is an opportunity to step back from the brink”.
‘Only Reform will protect women and girls’ says Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage | PANigel Farage has claimed ‘only Reform will protect women and girls’ in response to schoolgirls in a Scottish town being handed rape alarms by police over fears they were being stalked by illegal migrants being housed in a nearby hotel.
The intervention from officers came after it was alleged that the men had been taken photos of the girls in between lessons in Dumfries.
The hotel migrants have been spotted hanging around the school and ogling at children during break times, according to The Sun.
The Clacton MP said on X: “This is broken Britain. Only Reform will protect women and girls”.
‘Burden shifting’ amongst Nato member states as talks with US continue
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte have discussed “burden shifting” within the military alliance, during a meeting in Washington.
The talks come amid tensions between the White House and Nato, after members, including the UK, refused to be drawn into the offensive against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, by the US.
It led to scathing criticism by Donald Trump, who threatened to leave the long-standing security alliance, branding it a “paper tiger”.
Speaking after the meeting, US State Department principal deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott said: “The two leaders discussed Operation Epic Fury, ongoing US-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing coordination and burden shifting with Nato allies”.
Mr Rutte is due to meet with the president at the White House later today.
Government allocate whopping £50 million to broaden defence innovation in the south West of England
The Government has announced new investment to boost expertise in maritime drone production and drive broader defence innovation across the South West of England.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed £50 million has been allocated as part of the Plymouth defence growth deal to “help strengthen national security, create hundreds of jobs and drive economic growth”.
Plymouth and the wider region is one of five areas set to benefit from the £250 million defence growth deal announced in September as part of the Government’s defence industrial strategy.
The Plymouth deal will expand on the work of the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, with the aim of making it easier for industry to develop surface and subsurface maritime drones.
This will include reducing red tape and enabling access to “waterfront innovation labs and state-of-the-art testing facilities”, the MoD said.
The investment will support training facilities and provide teaching capacity at colleges and universities to establish 60 new defence-related courses.
Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said: “We pledged a defence growth deal for Plymouth, and I’m delighted to deliver on that promise”.
‘He’s upset the Americans, he’s upset the Cypriots, he’s upset the Gulf states’, says Nigel Farage of PM
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he did not think Sir Keir Starmer would be treated “with a great degree of respect” during his visit to the Gulf states.
Asked about the Prime Minister’s trip during a Reform event in Bexley, southeast London, Mr Farage said: “Why bother? What’s he going to say?”
Referring to Sir Keir’s decisions regarding the Iran war, the Clapton MP said: “He’s upset the Americans, he’s upset the Cypriots, he’s upset the Gulf states, and this level of indecision and chopping and changing your mind is quite extraordinary.
“So my guess is he will not be treated today with a great degree of respect”.
Mr Farage added that that the UK’s relationship with its allies in the Gulf is “weak”.
He told reporters: “Our relationship with those parts of the world is weak, and our relationship with America is fractured. This is a massive, massive problem.
“I don’t think it’s irreparable, but America has to respect us militarily – That’s going out the window”.
‘A lot of work still to do’ says Keir Starmer in light of US-Israeli and Iran ceasefire
Sir Keir Starmer has said there was a “sense of real relief” at the ceasefire in the US-Iran conflict, but a lot of work is still needed to make the peace deal last and restore oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Prime Minister, visiting an air base in Saudi Arabia, said he wanted to ensure the economic impact of the war was minimised by getting the strait open again.
Sir Keir said it was still “early days” after the overnight announcement of the ceasefire, and there was still work to do to ensure “this ceasefire should be not a temporary ceasefire but a permanent ceasefire”.
He added: “On top of that, we have to acknowledge that this war was not our war, but my job is to protect the UK.
“It’s already had an impact on the UK, and it’s very important we get the Strait of Hormuz open. There’s a lot of work to do there”.
Asked whether his relationship with the US president was “in tatters”, Sir Keir said: “I’ve acted as you would expect of a British Prime Minister, which is by being absolutely focused on what is our national interest, and that’s why I’ve applied my principles and my values throughout.
“And my principles and values made sure that our decisions were that we wouldn’t get involved in the action without a lawful basis, without a viable, thought-through plan”.
Government approves vast solar grid project to help rectify Iran war energy crisis
The Government has approved a solar energy project set to be the largest in the UK in terms of power generation.
Springwell Solar Farm is a proposed 800-megawatt project with battery storage and supporting grid connection infrastructure in North Kesteven, Lincolnshire.
According to the developer, it could power more than 180,000 homes a year, the equivalent of half the homes in Lincolnshire.
Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “We are driving further and faster for clean homegrown power that we control to protect the British people and bring down bills for good.
“It is crucial we learn the lessons of the conflict in the Middle East – solar is one of the cheapest forms of power available and is how we get off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets and secure our own energy independence”.
Springwell is the 25th nationally significant clean energy project approved by the Government since it came into office, which it says together will provide enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 12.5 million homes.
It comes alongside recent measures to roll out plug-in solar in UK stores, fitting solar on homes as standard and fast-tracking the next renewables auction to July this year.
Nigel Farage shuts down ‘ludicrous’ claim his party was cold-calling public to stand in elections
The legislation stems from a controversy that erupted nearly three years ago when Coutts terminated Nigel Farage’s account | X / NIGEL FARAGENigel Farage has denied claims Reform UK are cold-calling members of the public to ask them to stand in the local elections, branding the suggestion “ludicrous”.
The party leader said the only people receiving such calls were “paid-up members of the party”, and that any claim otherwise was “absolute rot”.
It comes after The Guardian reported that the party had been ringing members of the public who had signed up for the party’s email updates to ask them to stand as “paper candidates”.
Mr Farage said: “Could you think of anything more ludicrous than going through the phone book and saying, ‘Please would you be a candidate?’ It’s absolute rot”.
Thursday afternoon marks the deadline to submit nominations to stand in the local elections, with paper candidates being those that stand for election, but are unlikely to win and may not do any active campaigning.
Asked whether paper candidates were fair on voters, Mr Farage said: “Do you think the Conservative Party standing in Sunderland expect their candidates to win? Of course, they don’t.
“Or Labour candidates standing in rural Oxfordshire? Of course not. All parties have candidates that are target seats and candidates that are not target seats.
“The real challenge is finding 5,000 candidates and nominations will close tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll see where all the parties are. I would suggest that, actually, you’ll see a lot of the big parties struggling to field full lists”.
Keir Starmer touches down in Saudi Arabia in visit to Gulf allies after last-minute ceasefire deal
Sir Keir Starmer has touched down in Saudi Arabia in his first stop in the Middle East after a last-minute ceasefire deal was announced.
Last night, the US President confirmed he would back off from wiping out the country for two weeks, with Israel agreeing to do the same.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister vowed the UK would “do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire”.
Richard Tice vows to greenlight applications for North Sea drilling as part of Reform’s four-point energy plan
Richard Tice has vowed to greenlight applications for drilling in the North Sea as part of Reform UK’s four-point plan for energy.
Nigel Farage’s deputy leader vowed to extract “every last drop” of oil in a press conference in Scotland.
The MP’s four-point plan includes:
- Approving the Rosebank and Jackdaw applications for oil and gas drilling in the North Sea
- Scrapping windfall tax on energy companies
- Axing “net stupid zero” and, if brought into the European Union’s “net zero”, removing the UK from such legislation
- Passing “smart and safe” regulatory reform to enhance efficiency
‘Madness!’ Reform’s Scottish leader blasts restriction of North Sea drilling
Reform UK’s Scottish leader Malcolm Offord has blasted the restriction of drilling in the North Sea as “madness”.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Offord said: “What is the number one issue in this election? The cost of living. What is one of the biggest factors in the cost of living? Energy.
“You cannot have prosperity and growth with the most expensive oil prices in the OECD.
“Our island is literally floating on a sea of oil and gas. We are importing 70 per cent of our gas from Norway, from North Sea fields, over the fence from the ones that we are shutting down. It is madness.”
Keir Starmer to travel to Middle East today to meet allies amid last-minute Iran ceasefire
The PM is travelling to the Middle East today
| PA
Sir Keir Starmer is travelling to the Middle East today to meet allies following Donald Trump’s last-minute ceasefire with Iran.
Last night, the US President confirmed he would hold off on wiping out the country for two weeks, with Israel agreeing to do the same, barring its attacks on Lebanon.
Now, this morning, as he readied himself to jet off to the region, the Prime Minister vowed Britain would “do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire.”
Sir Keir added: “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.
“Together with out partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.”
In a meeting with leaders across the Middle East, the PM will double down on support for a “diplomatic and lasting” resolution to the conflict engulfing the region since the end of February.
Sir Keir’s first stop on his trip abroad will be to “thank the UK and local personnel who have bravely put their lives at risk in the defence of our people”, No10 said.
No10 will lead talks to ensure the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz – a key maritime passage blockaded by Iran, sending fuel prices soaring and subsequently causing a headache for both Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband.
Britain urged to ‘completely forget’ special relationship by ex-National Security Adviser
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump
| GETTY
Britain has been urged to “forget” the special relationship between Britain and the US and treat it as merely a “transactional relationship” with the White House – just like any other country.
Ex-National Security Adviser Lord Peter Ricketts has told the BBC the spiralling conflict was a “massive wake up call” for the UK.
After the alliance turned frosty over the PM’s response to the war, the crossbencher encouraged Sir Keir to “completely forget” the relationship stretching across the pond.
“The idea of a special relationship we should now completely forget. It’s a transactional relationship with Washington as with every other country,” he said.
More than half of Britons oppose resident doctors’ strike action amid six-day walkout, poll reveals
More than half of Britons have opposed resident doctors being allowed to strike, a new poll has found.
The YouGov data was collected during the medics’ first day of their six-day walkout – their 15th in three years at the cost of £30million for the taxpayer.
Some 37 per cent, on the other hand, claim they “somewhat” or “strongly” support the action.
‘We got things wrong!’ Top Tory stresses party ‘changing our behaviour’ after lax defence spending
Sir James Cleverly has admitted the Conservative Party “got things wrong” in its defence spending policy while in Government.
Speaking to GB News, the Tory Shadow Housing Minister stressed they were “changing our behaviour” as he hit out at Labour’s own management of the nation’s Armed Forces.
“Kemi (Badenoch) has made it clear that when we got things wrong during our time in government, we will recognise that and we will make sure we do things differently.
“We recognise that we could and indeed should have perhaps spent more on defence,” Sir James said.
‘Not fair to say we have not been there in defensive role’, Policing Minister tells GB News
Policing Minister Sarah Jones has told GB News it is “not fair” to suggest the UK has not adequately defended its citizens.
Speaking on GB News, the Labour MP admitted Britain needed to be “much better at war readiness” , as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.
“We are investing £270billion this Parliament,” she said. “In our defence, that is the highest figure any time since the Cold War.”
Ms Jones added: “We are clearing up the mess that we were left with.
“But it is not fair to say that we have not been there in that defensive role, because we have and also we have been playing a leadership role, doing the work with our 40 allies to work out how we can open the Strait of Hormuz in a way that is safe.”
WATCH SARAH JONES ON GB NEWS ABOVE.
‘Where was he when Cyprus was attacked?!’ Ellie Costello grills Labour minister over PM’s ‘lacklustre’ Iran response
GB News star Ellie Costello has grilled a Labour minister over the Prime Minister’s “lacklustre” response to the Iran war.
After it was announced Sir Keir Starmer would jet off to the Gulf to speak with allies following the last-minute ceasefire deal, Ellie questioned why No10 had not acted sooner.
“Why now? Where was he when Cyprus was attacked?” she questioned.
In response, Sarah Jones, Labour’s Policing Minister, told the People’s Channel: “The first thing to say is we welcome this ceasefire and we hope that the negotiations will go well and that we will end up with a peace where we can all get things back to normal.
“We have had a military presence in the region for the whole of the five and a half weeks of this conflict, as you know, not in any offensive role at all, but in a defensive role where we have been protecting our citizens and our allies and our interests.”
Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour of being ‘soft on unions’ as leader promises to ban doctor strikes
Kemi Badenoch has accused Labour of being “soft” on unions while the Tory leader has promised to ban doctor strikes if the Conservatives win power.
Yesterday, resident doctors kickstarted a six-day-long strike, marking their 15th mass strike over the course of a measly three years.
The North West Essex MP declared: “The Conservatives have had enough. If the BMA refuses to act reasonably, the Government must step in to ensure the safety of patients.
“That’s why I will ban resident doctors and consultants from going on strike – as we already do for the police and armed forces.
“We will reintroduce minimum service levels across the NHS, so that all patients know the NHS will always be there when they need it.”
Keir Starmer’s trip to Gulf planned ahead of ceasefire deal announcement
The Prime Minister’s upcoming trip to the Middle East was planned ahead of the ceasefire deal announcement, it is understood.
Last week, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper attended a virtual summit with world leaders to brainstorm ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the ceasefire deal only being announced last night, Sir Keir Starmer was due to attend the region to speak with Gulf partners about the ongoing conflict before Donald Trump backed down from his threats on Iran.
PM has ‘cost Britain its credibility on the world stage’, Sir James Cleverly tells GB News
Sir James Cleverly joined GB News to rip into the Prime Minister’s response to the Iran war this morning.
The Shadow Communities Secretary declared Sir Keir’s response amid the spiralling conflict has “cost Britain its credibility on the world stage”.
WATCH THE TORIES’ RESPONSE ABOVE.
Keir Starmer blasted for ‘indecision’ and leaving allies ‘disappointed’ over Iran war
Sir Keir Starmer was blasted for his “indecision” and leaving friends and allies “disappointed” over the Iran war.
Speaking to GB News on the last-minute ceasefire deal, Sir James said: “Well, it’s not really news. The Prime Minister is desperately trying to regain some credibility.
“Having been slow and indecisive throughout this situation, he’s changed positions. He was opposing the United States using their own aircraft from British bases.
“Then he was in favour of it. He delayed the decision to deploy British naval assets. He left British military personnel and our allies in the region not properly defended, and now he’s finally engaging properly with this situation.
“Unfortunately, he has cost this country credibility on the world stage. And I know a lot of our friends and allies in the region and beyond are very disappointed in Britain’s response.
“And that is entirely because of decisions that Keir Starmer failed to make.”
Global oil prices plummet following US-Iran ceasefire announcement
Global oil prices have plummeted following the ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced last night.
Part of the deal reached included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after its weeks’ long blockade send fuel costs soaring.
The price of standard Brent Crude dropped by around 13 per cent to $94.80 (£70.73) a barrel after the last-minute deal was announced.
Meanwhile, US-traded oil was more than 15 per cent lower at $95.75. Just before the conflict began, the oil cost around $70 a barrel.
Tories vow to BAN four-day work weeks on full pay
The Conservative Party has vowed to ditch four-day working weeks while on full pay, if they win the next election.
Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly announced the legislation to ban public services from handing out full pay to those working for a part-time job.
He said: “Taxpayers should not be paying full rates for part-time services.”
What is happening in UK politics today?
Good morning and welcome to the GB News Politics blog. Here’s what is happening in Westminster and beyond today…
Resident doctors have entered their second day of six days of strike action in long-running dispute with the Government over their pay. The British Medical Assocation said last month that the latest offer received from Health Secretary Wes Streeting was inadequate.
Meanwhile, on the campaign trail ahead of the Local Elections, political parties will be gearing up for a series of press conferences to make their pitch to voters.
Later this morning, GB News will be joined by Labour’s Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP, Policing Minister as well as the Tories’ James Cleverly MP, Shadow Local Government Secretary.
Follow along for the latest.
