Forum Topic

Beware the Geeks bearing gifts

Should the Reform Party accept 100 million dollars from Elon Musk, if it is offered?

David Ainsworth ● 24d10 Comments

There are so many of them!This makes enlightening reading:https://www.campaigncc.org/climate_change/sceptics/funders

Philippa Bond ● 22d

In which case we must also look at the funding of politicians and parties from pro-oil trusts and individuals especially from overseas:Here's just one article:https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/04/climate-sceptic-thinktank-received-funding-from-fossil-fuel-interests

Philippa Bond ● 22d

"Oh eck, are ER going to put up candidates now?"It's foreign interference in UK politics. Do they directly or or indirectly influence candidates and party politics? I think so.

Ed Robinson ● 22d

"But would there be any difference in Musk supporting Reform whilst US NGO's support Distinction Rebellion and other organisations?"Oh eck, are ER going to put up candidates now?

David Ainsworth ● 22d

No. Many institutions & organisations use limited companies.Ben Habib wanted the shares of Reform limited company to be opened up to members.He has now left Reform for several reasons as detailed in a video address but I think one of them was Northern Ireland.Personally whist not agreeing with his politics, I think Habib added another dimension to Reform. Some of his suggestions regarding membership seemed quite sensible.Farage was on top form today discussing that he has never had a conversation with Musk concerning funding.But would there be any difference in Musk supporting Reform whilst US NGO's support Distinction Rebellion and other organisations?

Ed Robinson ● 23d

Reform UK is a limited company. Does this make a difference as far as donations are concerned?

Catherine Schade ● 23d

Harris spent more than twice what Trump did on the election. There were also allegations that a lot of the stars that endorsed her or who were performing at here conferences were paid.Where as a old man rambling off script calling out thanks to individuals cost next to nothing - well a tip of an ear and pair of shoes perhaps.It seems there is a lot of foreign money already supporting the main parties not to mention the odd UK NGO allegedly.Perhaps Apple can get in on the act and sponsor Labour? Which may save the odd Labour minister.

Ed Robinson ● 24d

Musk might be able to help Reform deal with illegal immigrants."In recent months, Musk has emerged as one of Trump’s biggest supporters, plowing nearly $120 million into a political action committee devoted to reelecting the former president. Musk has also avidly boosted Trump’s rhetoric about the dangers of illegal immigrants. But Musk also violated the terms of his student visa, placing him among the ranks of immigrants Trump targeted during his presidency.“The Trump administration went after students in a way we have seldom seen before. They purposefully put them in their sights. Elon Musk would have been caught up in that, too,” said Adam Cohen, an attorney who specializes in employment visas. “Under a Trump world,” Cohen said, Musk “would have been in a very bad situation.”" (Washington Post 1/11/24)Reform Party slogan:-"We want our country back!"

David Ainsworth ● 24d

"The billionaire may be able to sidestep overseas donation laws by funneling the £78 million through the UK branch of X, which he owns."

Michael Brigo ● 24d

It is illegal for a political party to accept donations from foreigners living abroad.

Steven Rose ● 24d