3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy in JanuaryEuropean stocks were set to open higher on Friday, as regional markets resume trading following a closure for the Christmas holiday. The FTSE 100 is expected to open 34 points higher at 8,136, according to data from IG, while the German DAX is slated to gain 40 points at 19,888 and the French CAC 40 is set to add 21 points to open at 7,293. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Investors are monitoring economic data out of China, where official figures showed industrial profits in the world's second biggest economy contracted for the fourth consecutive month in November . The data print came a day after the World Bank raised its growth forecasts for China in 2024 and 2025, but warned that the country's economy would remain under pressure, given muted business confidence and ongoing uncertainty in the troubled Chinese property sector. Markets were in mixed territory overnight in Asia, as traders reacted to the latest Chinese data print, as well as recent inflation numbers out of Japan. In an update on Friday , official figures showed core inflation in the city of Tokyo was at 3% in November, up from 2.6% in October. Back in Europe, Spain and Norway are set to publish their November retail sales figures on Friday. Also on CNBC European markets close higher in shortened session ahead of Christmas Holiday-thinned markets cheered by strong Wall Street finish Britain's economy flatlined in the third quarter, revised figures show

Since 2021, I’ve been to 123 museums in New York City in an attempt to see every one. (If you’re a Gothamist regular, you may recall my article from last year .) Now, wrapping up my fourth year of this project, I’m starting to wonder if this will ever end. Museums and “museum experiences” keep opening. When I began, I estimated there were about 150 museums in the city. Since then, smaller ones have come to my attention and new ones have opened, bringing the total close to 190. This has me wondering: What, exactly, is a museum? Does it have to have “museum” in the title? Does it have to be in a traditional gallery space? Could it be in someone’s home? Does it have to be permanent? What about for-profit museums? While I have not yet landed on a rigid definition of “museum,” I’ve learned I’m drawn to ones that promote or serve their communities. I’ve had the privilege of visiting museums started by everyday people. The Woodside Heights Art Museum (WHAM!), for example, was created by a curator-artist couple as a way to celebrate the history of their neighborhood. It's located in the front window and side yard of their home in Woodside, and presents exhibitions by local artists and hosts events. So while it's not as big as the Met or MoMA, in a way, it may have a more tangible impact for those it serves. If you’re looking to expand your museum savvy in the city, here are nine of my favorite museums I visited in 2024. The Salvator Mundi Museum of Art asks, “What if the 'Salvator Mundi' [an iconic painting by Leonardo Da Vinci] was a brand?” With that comes "Salvator Mundi" pasta sauce, "Salvator Mundi" coffee and a "Salvator Mundi" museum located in an apartment vestibule. The entire project is a remarkable piece of conceptual art and study of what makes a museum a museum. It has all the components you’d find at a “typical” museum: rotating exhibits (earlier this year it had one about Barbie’s ties to "Salvator Mundi"), a little gift shop and now a museum café (the restaurant next door). The museum is open daily. It also offers private tours and host events. More details can be found on its website . In the center of Staten Island, you’ll find Historic Richmond Town, one of the most unique spaces in the city. It’s a collection of more than 30 historic buildings, many of which were relocated from other parts of the island. Walking through Historic Richmond Town, I learned more about the American experience from the Colonial period to the present. They host so many different tours and events that change throughout the seasons as well as the annual county fair. This place feels like a village of its own, with a visitor center located in a former courthouse at the center of the town. Its existence has me a bit jealous of the Staten Island residents who get to visit often. It seems like the most exciting time to visit is in the warmer months because of their Open Village immersive experience, which includes costumed interpreters and demonstrations in houses across the campus. But my visit in March was quite spectacular. I took the Two Centuries tour, visiting four of the historical buildings on campus. You can learn more about Historic Richmond Town here . The only 24-hour museum I’ve gone to so far, WHAM!, is a charming museum. The main exhibition is in the front window of a Queens house. There are sculptures and art in the side yard. While learning the history of their neighborhood, the founders realized that few, if any, museums in the city were sharing Woodside stories and decided to do it themselves. You can view the museum any time of day or visit exhibition openings (usually Memorial Day and Labor Day), which feature free seltzer, a popcorn bar and the world’s first Dollar Store Museum Gift Shop, which sells little pieces of art and tchotchkes — everything costs $1. This is a charming hidden gem and you can learn more here . I have a fondness for museums that exist in active spaces, like the New York Sign Museum, which is located in Noble Signs’ studio in Brooklyn. Some highlights include the neon sign from Brooklyn’s Queen Italian Restaurant, the main sign from Broadway’s beloved Star Lite Deli and another from the Lower East Side restaurant Bongos, all which have closed. When Noble's crew isn’t making new signs for businesses around the city, they are rescuing old ones to preserve for the collection. The museum doesn't have public hours, and appointments to view the collection are available on a limited basis by emailing [email protected] . You can learn more about the museum’s work on its website . One of the gifts of this project is the opportunity to learn incredible stories I wouldn’t have sought out on my own, like the life story of inventor Lewis H. Latimer, the namesake of the recently remodeled Lewis H. Latimer House Museum. Lewis Howard Latimer, who lived in the house, was the son of self-emancipated enslaved people, as well as an inventor, a self-taught draftsman, a U.S. Navy landsman and a father. He contributed to the invention of the lightbulb and the telephone, arguably some of the most important inventions ever. Through photographs, mementos and interactive installations, the museum tells the stories of his remarkable life and honors him by presenting STEAM programming to visitors of all ages. It is a wonderful intersection of Black history, Queens pride and innovation. Learn more here Like many millennials, I watched hours of TV every day after school, so I think my life changed when I went to the Paley Center for Media for the first time because so much American TV and radio history was suddenly at my fingertips. Formerly the Museum of Television & Radio and the Museum of Broadcasting, the center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of TV, radio and emerging media. It has new exhibitions every month or so, screenings every day, a full gaming center and the goldmine that is the Paley Archive, where the center has digitized thousands of TV and radio programs that you can easily watch with your museum admission. I immediately returned here after my first visit so I could spend hours in their archive. It contains some rare treasures, such as an unaired pilot of “The Muppet Show” and an unaired documentary about the making of “West Side Story.” To learn more, visit the website . Every day I see another video about a new New York City pop-up, typically a big brand trying to get you to buy things. It’s exciting when there is a pop-up that separates itself from capitalism, like the Climate Museum. It has been operating through pop-up exhibitions as it searches for a permanent space, and is the first museum in the country dedicated to climate education. This year, the museum showcased “The End of Fossil Fuel” at a storefront in SoHo, which educated visitors about the dangers of the fossil fuel industry and taught them how they can start making changes. While the museum doesn't have an exhibition open right now, you can learn more about its work here . Two very exciting things I must share about this museum are that this is the oldest building in New York City AND they let me feed chickens here. The Wyckoff House Museum tells the story of the Wyckoff family that lived here over generations, but it’s also a fully operating farm and community space. As such, the museum provides agricultural education and resources to the neighborhoods of East Flatbush and Canarsie. It hosts Free Family Days every month, a farm stand and many events and workshops. Check out all of the great work happening at the Wyckoff House here . This museum had been on and off my list a few times because I did not think it was real. And even after I called the curator to make an appointment, Venmo-ed him a deposit and received an email with the address of an apartment building, I had no clue what to expect. A visit to the Museum of Interesting Things is kind of a show. Founder Denny Daniel takes you on a tour of more than a century of invention and innovation that led us to the technologies we have today. You get to hold and interact with the museum’s unique collection, which includes a camera obscura, a mutoscope and other fun inventions. And to wrap up the visit, I got to unbox a new museum acquisition. What other museum includes a mystery item reveal? Mine was 16mm film reels and glass slides of Central Park. A visit here is so joyous and makes you feel like a kid again. To book a tour, call 212-274-8757 or email [email protected] . The museum also hosts a Secret Speakeasy event every Sunday where it screens 16mm films. Learn more at the website .

Feels like 1979: Nottingham Forest moves into 2nd place behind rampant Liverpool in Premier LeagueIndia vs Australia Live Score: How facing Bumrah came naturally to Konstas If Sam Konstas was instinctively inclined to target the much-feared Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, it was because of a harmless error made by his father when the adolescent was training. When the Boxing Day Test began in Melbourne on Thursday, Konstas played up to the anticipation around his skill by slamming a magnificent 60 off 65 balls, making a Test debut that will be remembered for a long time. More than his runs, it was Konstas' audacity to take on the world class Bumrah with the new ball that had the experts singing his eulogy. Billy, Konstas' brother and a physiotherapist by trade, described how his father's mistake ultimately taught his younger brother how to tackle pace bowling at a young age. "We were little kids and the first time dad took us to a bowling machine, he had it on 90 miles an hour, thinking it was 90 kilometres," Billy told Fox Cricket. "Dad fed the machine, and he hit it straight out of the middle. I think from the age of five or six years old, this has always been his dream. It's a dream come true for all the family and feel very blessed and thank God for being here." Australia finished the first day of the Boxing Day Test with a commanding 311 for six thanks to Konstas' extremely aggressive style, which set the tone. Billy also disclosed that Konstas, who only made the move to first-class cricket last year after playing for St George and Sutherland, was optimistic about scoring well in his debut. "I'm a physiotherapist by trade and he said 'Billy, can I get a massage?' and I asked him how many runs are you gonna score tomorrow?". He told me 'don't worry, I will score a few'. I looked after the young man and he seemed very relaxed," said Billy. Konstas appeared to be at ease, but his family was a bunch of jitters. "It's been an unbelievable experience. Everyone was nervous walking into the ground, heart was pounding a bit." India vs Australia Live Score: 'Rohit Sharma has four innings to save his Test career' - says Monty Panesar Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly going through a tough twilight period of his cricket career both as a captain as well as a batter. He will look to resurrect it by possibly returning to his customary position as an opener in the ongoing Melbourne Test in hope of runs that help him regain confidence and poise as a leader. With India's No. 3 Shubman Gill dropped from the eleven for an extra spin-bowling all-rounder in the form of Washington Sundar, KL Rahul will in all probability play the role of one-down batter, allowing Rohit to open again in Melbourne, and in the last Test at Sydney. Those four possible innings, believes former England spinner Monty Panesar, will be make-or-break knocks for the Indian captain's Test career. "I think that (to open batting again) is the only option for Rohit," said Panesar, talking to Timesofindia.com from London. "To be honest, he's got four innings to save his Test career. If he doesn't perform that well, I think he will probably retire as well." If that happens, it will be the second high-profile retirement of the series, with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hanging his boots after the third Test in Brisbane, quitting international cricket with immediate effect. If India fail to qualify for the World Test Championship final, their next Test assignment will be the five-Test tour of England in June-July 2025. For Rohit to play that, if he wants to, Panesar believes he will have to fire in Melbourne and Sydney. "...With the five Test matches in England, I think Rohit should probably take the ownership and say 'right, you know, (in) overseas Test matches I have got to perform like I do...be aggressive, take it on'," said Panesar. "If he does that, I think he will probably carry on as captain. But if he fails, I think he will be the first one to stand up and say, 'guys, I think I am done, and you have got to move on with the new team'. Especially with five Test matches in England, you have got to build a new side." The five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy stands at 1-1 after three Tests, which means a win in Melbourne will ensure that India won't lose the series and thus remain the title-holders. But Australia have done well to reach 311 for 6 at stumps on day one. If India can take the last four wickets quickly to wrap up the Australian first innings for under 350 and then the visitors' top order bats well, it will be game on. "It's a big, big innings for him (Rohit) in Melbourne...I think especially that first innings is a big one for him. He's got to show good intent and start well because Australia are going to come out not holding back now," said the 42-year-old former left-arm spinner, who played 50 Tests for England. India vs Australia Live Score: Rohit Sharma's batting slot all but confirmed Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who had opted to bat lower down the order in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy - a move that failed to yield the desired results - is likely to return to his customary opening role in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia at the MCG, according to assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Rohit managed only 19 runs batting at number six in the second and third Tests. With the batting order reshuffle, KL Rahul will bat at number three as India has dropped Shubman Gill. "Yes, Rohit will come up in the order and more likely than not, he will open the innings," Nayar told reporters on Thursday after the first day's play of the Boxing Day Test. Nayar also explained the reasoning behind excluding Gill for the Boxing Day Test. "I just feel for a young player in a position like that, a big day, he wants to make his mark. He understands it's the team's requirement and it's unfortunate, but I wouldn't say that he's been dropped per se. It's just unfortunate that he couldn't find his place in this game," he said. He provided a detailed explanation of why selecting Washington over Gill for the MCG Test was a logical choice. "A lot of the decisions when they are made, and the process of it being made, the communication is always there and transparency is there. It's pretty obvious that we felt in these conditions, looking at the pitch, having Washy in the bowling attack will give us that variation, especially towards the end once the ball gets old," he said. "Post the 50 overs, we felt that was an area that we wanted to get better at. We felt Washy could give us that solidarity with Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), especially the way Travis Head and Alex Carey were getting runs lower down. So we felt having an offie in the ranks will provide us with that." Talking about the match, Australia's top four all notched scores of 50 or more, taking command on day one, with teenage opener Sam Konstas stealing the spotlight. Batting first after captain Pat Cummins won the toss on a sweltering day, the hosts ended the day at 311/6 in front of over 87,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They capitalised on some erratic early bowling and a blistering start from Konstas. The 19-year-old, in a debut to remember, smashed an electrifying 60 off 65 balls, hammering 18 runs in a single over off Jasprit Bumrah and sharing a fiery exchange with superstar Virat Kohli. India vs Australia Live Score: Virat Kohli and ICC penalties: A look at all the instances Star India batter Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received one demerit point from the ICC on Thursday following an on-field altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the opening day of the fourth Test in Melbourne. The incident occurred in the 10th over when Kohli and the 19-year-old Konstas collided shoulders and exchanged words during the first session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Take a look at the previous occasions when Virat Kohli faced penalties from the ICC for his on-field violations: 2019 ODI World Cup Kohli was fined 25% of his match fee for violating Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct due to "excessive appealing" during the ICC ODI World Cup match against Afghanistan in Southampton in 2019. The incident took place in the 29th over of Afghanistan's innings when Kohli aggressively approached umpire Aleem Dar while appealing for an LBW decision. Kohli acknowledged the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Chris Broad, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. Against South Africa in 2018 Kohli was penalised by the ICC for his behavior towards on-field umpire Michael Gough during the second Test against South Africa in Centurion. Kohli was fined 25% of his match fee and received one demerit point for "conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game." The incident took place in the 25th over of South Africa's second innings when Kohli repeatedly complained to Gough about the damp ball—after play had resumed following a rain delay. He then threw the ball onto the ground in an "aggressive manner," as per the ICC's report. Against Pakistan during Asia Cup in 2016 Kohli was fined 30% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct by showing dissent after being given out during the Asia Cup match against Pakistan in Mirpur. Kohli acknowledged the offense and accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Jeff Crowe. Against Australia in 2014 A no-ball dismissal of David Warner by Varun Aaron ignited tension on the fourth day of the Adelaide Test. Warner's shout of "Come on" led to heated exchanges with Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. As a result, Warner was fined 15% of his match fee, while Kohli and Dhawan were each docked 30% following the altercation between the Indian and Australian players. Against Australia in 2012 Kohli was fined 50% of his match fee after he was caught gesturing to the crowd with his middle finger during a Test match in 2012. The Level 2 charge was imposed by match referee Ranjan Madugalle on the third morning of the SCG Test. Against New Zealand in 2010 Kohli was fined 15% of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during India's ODI against New Zealand in Dambulla. Kohli pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offense and accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Alan Hurst after play concluded. He was found to have violated section 2.1.3 of the code, which pertains to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision." India vs Australia Live Score: Virat Kohli fined, handed one demerit point Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fees and handed one demerit point for a physical altercation with Sam Konstas of Australia on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test. Tempers flared on Thursday when Kohli and Australia's Test debutant bumped into each other early on into the contest. "Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and awarded one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct," the ICC said in a statement. "No formal hearing was needed as Kohli accepted the sanctions propsed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft," it added. Kohli has been charged for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct that states, "Any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire." "When assessing the seriousness of the breach, the following factors (without limitation) shall be taken into account: (i) the context of the particular situation, including, without limitation, whether the contact was deliberate (i.e. intentional), reckless, negligent, and/or avoidable; (ii) the force of the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the person with whom contact was made; and (iv) the person with whom contact was made." Luckily for Kohli, it has not been deemed a Level 2 offence which carries a penalty of three to four demerit points. And, four demerit points would have resulted in suspension for the next contest, which is in Sydney. The brief showdown took place after the completion of the 10th over of the Australian innings when the players were crossing over. Both players quickly turned around to glance at each other and engaged in a heated exchange of words with Konstas' teammate Usman Khawaja stepping in to separate them. The on-field umpires also had a word with the duo. "I think the emotions got to both of us," Konstas said later. "I didn't quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket," he added. India vs Australia Live Score: Langer shared a behind-the-scenes anecdote Former Australia batter and coach Justin Langer also commended Konstas, emphasising the difficulty of attacking a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber. “He’s been given a license to go and attack Bumrah, but that’s not easy—that is so hard to do. Even in T20 cricket, Bumrah’s economy rate is as good as anyone’s. So it’s not easy to do that,” Langer remarked. Langer shared a behind-the-scenes anecdote, revealing how India underestimated Konstas’ aggressive intent. “I did speak to K.L. Rahul before the game. And I said, ‘Have you seen this kid Sam Konstas?’ He said, ‘Oh, we only saw him in the Prime Minister’s XI game. He was playing these ramp shots and all this sort of stuff.’ Rahul said, ‘But he won’t do that today.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, sure he won’t do that today.’ And straight away, Sam Konstas was doing that.” Konstas’ innings set the tone for Australia’s strong total of 311/6 at stumps, with Steve Smith (68 not out) and Pat Cummins (8 not out) holding the fort. India vs Australia Live Score: 'Don't think anyone has treated Bumrah like this' Former India coach Ravi Shastri lavished praise on Australian debutant Sam Konstas for his spectacular performance on day one of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Shastri likened the 19-year-old opener’s maiden half-century to the flair and audacity of Virender Sehwag, describing it as an extraordinary display of “swagger and skill.” Konstas, playing his first Boxing Day Test, stunned spectators and India’s bowlers alike with his fearless stroke play. The teenager’s bold approach, especially against Jasprit Bumrah, was the talk of the day. Shastri, speaking on Star Sports, said, “I don’t think anyone has taken or treated Bumrah like that in any format of the game, let alone red-ball cricket. For him to go out there with that swag and attempt some outrageous shots—it was something else. He tore that MCC coaching manual to shreds.” Konstas dazzled with ramp shots and audacious pulls, leaving India’s bowlers searching for answers. Shastri noted how the young batter’s confidence initially caught the Indian side off guard. “They thought, ‘If he takes chances, we’ll get him quickly.’ But as soon as this started happening, all the smiles disappeared. The ideas disappeared,” Shastri observed. “At one point, it felt like India had run out of ideas. They actually didn’t know what hit them.” Drawing comparisons with Sehwag, Shastri envisioned a bright future for Konstas. “He reminds me a lot of Virender Sehwag when he first burst onto the scene. He’ll entertain when he gets going, and he’s born to entertain. If he plays for any length of time for Australia, he’ll do exactly that,” Shastri added. Shastri acknowledged Australia’s dominant position but credited India for staging a fightback. “At one stage, it looked like Australia would bat India out of the contest. When Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith were together, had that partnership carried on, Australia could have ended the day three or four down and in a tremendous position,” Shastri concluded. India vs Australia Live Score: Hello and welcome! Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the MCG. Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded India’s comeback in the final session of day one in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, claiming key late wickets. Despite Bumrah’s heroics, Steve Smith stood firm with an unbeaten 68, guiding Australia to 311/6 in 86 overs at stumps. Earlier, debutant Sam Konstas dominated the first session, but India had the upper hand in the evening, taking four wickets. Bumrah, who ended the day with 3/75, was instrumental, claiming two scalps in a 23-ball stretch. However, Smith’s composed innings, featuring five boundaries and a six, ensured Australia surpassed the 300-run mark. With the second new ball just six overs old, India will aim for early breakthroughs on Friday to halt Australia’s charge toward 400. The final session began with Marnus Labuschagne striking consecutive boundaries off Ravindra Jadeja, completing his second half-century of the series in 114 balls. Smith, at the other end, looked in control, pulling and driving confidently to pick up three boundaries off Jadeja and Washington Sundar. After the drinks break, Labuschagne attempted to loft Sundar over mid-off but ended up offering a simple catch, departing for 72 and breaking his 83-run stand with Smith. Bumrah then struck twice, first dismissing Travis Head with a delivery that jagged back to clip the top of off-stump. He followed it by forcing Mitchell Marsh into an edge off a short ball, with Rishabh Pant completing a sharp catch behind the stumps. Akash Deep joined the act, finally reaping rewards for his persistence by dismissing Alex Carey, who nicked a rising delivery to Pant after a gritty 53-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Amid the flurry of wickets, Smith remained unflappable, notching his 42nd Test fifty and his tenth fifty-plus score at the MCG. His resilience, combined with Pat Cummins’ unbeaten eight, ensured Australia ended a productive day for the hosts in front of a lively crowd of 87,242. Match Statistics Top Stories Right Now

The New England Patriots appear to have found their franchise quarterback in first-round pick Drake Maye, who has popped during his rookie season. After spending the first weeks of the 2024 season on the bench behind veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the 22-year-old has taken the reins of the offense, completing 67.6% of his passes for 2,159 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his 11 games (10 starts). What's more impressive is that Maye has looked really good without a true top wide receiver. New England's best wideout would probably be the second or third-best on most teams. This upcoming offseason, the Patriots need to be looking for upgrades at the position, and one of New England's current wide receivers is already trying to recruit, as Kendrick Bourne tried to call out to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on TikTok. “Aye Tee Higgins if you out there, I know they're screen recording this, but come to the Pats bro," Bourne said. "It ain’t what it seems bro, it’s gonna be lit. Drake Maye and Tee Higgins touchdown. Look how good that sounds.” Higgins, 25, is set to be a free agent after five impressive seasons with Cincinnati playing alongside Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase for most of it. In 68 career games, he's caught 315 passes for 4,411 yards and 31 touchdowns. To put that into perspective, New England's four active receivers other than Bourne (Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas) have combined for 154 receptions, 1,652 yards and six touchdowns in their 70 career games combined. New England needs to make a splash this offseason, and Higgins should be one of their top targets. MORE PATRIOTS NEWS Patriots LB coach named a candidate to replace Steve Belichick New England may have to make a change due to injured offensive lineman Patriots designate young linebacker to return from IR Drake Maye calls criticism of Patriots coaches BSThe Council for Business with Britain hosts Christmas Carols fellowship

‘One of my heroes.’ Politicians across GA, US offer condolences after Jimmy Carter’s death

Mauritius demands £800million a year and billions in reparations for controversial Chagos Islands deal By DAVID CHURCHILL, CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 22:42 GMT, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 23:14 GMT, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Mauritius has been demanding £800million a year and ‘billions of pounds in reparations’ as part of the beleaguered Chagos Islands talks, it emerged today. Sir Keir Starmer has been facing calls to abandon his surrender of the archipelago after Mauritius’ new government rejected a proposed deal and started demanding more money. Downing Street has refused to reveal how much it has offered to pay Mauritius for a 99-year lease of the crucial Anglo-American military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos atolls. But a source familiar with the talks told the Sunday Times: ‘They wanted crazy money. ‘They were talking £800million a year for as long as we wanted to keep the base there, plus billions of pounds in reparations.’ Sources close to David Lammy , the current Foreign Secretary , said UK negotiators have never ‘considered’ paying these amounts. But they did not deny that they have ever been demanded. And they refused to say how close to the demands that they have settled, simply saying that the proposed deal was ‘underpinned by a financial package which will support a new era of economic partnership between the UK and Mauritius’. Critics of surrendering sovereignty of the archipelago fear Labour is trying to rush a deal before Donald Trump re-enters the White House . Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands. Mauritius has been demanding £800million a year and ‘billions of pounds in reparations’ as part of the beleaguered Chagos Islands talks, it emerged today Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has been facing calls to abandon his surrender of the archipelago after Mauritius’ new government rejected a proposed deal and started demanding more money Protesters voicing their opposition to the deal outside Parliament. Downing Street has refused to reveal how much it has offered to pay Mauritius for a 99-year lease of the crucial Anglo-American military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos atolls The president-elect’s pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has warned that the deal posed ‘a serious threat’ to US national security by handing over the islands to a country allied with China. Last week new Mauritian leader, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, had a phone call with outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is also keen to get the deal across the line. The prime minister told his MPs afterwards: ‘I made him understand that we do not agree with certain things contained in the agreement concluded on October 3 by the former Mauritian prime minister and informed him that we have made a counter-proposal which will be transmitted to him.’ Days earlier his deputy had suggested that Mauritius is demanding more money to allow the continued operation of the base on Diego Garcia. Mauritius’s deputy prime minister Paul Berenger told constituents: ‘This base existed on our land, on our territory... but not only it is [about] our sovereignty. The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) or Chagos Islands (formerly the Oil Islands) is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom situated in the Indian Ocean, halfway between Africa and Indonesia Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago ‘There are some things you can’t accept if you’re a true patriot. They are trying to make us sign and they are quibbling on a small amount.’ The Labour government insists the deal is not dead and that the new Mauritian administration is willing to do a deal. A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘An amount this high has not been considered at any point in negotiations between the UK and Mauritius.’ Keir Starmer Labour David Lammy Downing Street Share or comment on this article: Mauritius demands £800million a year and billions in reparations for controversial Chagos Islands deal e-mail Add commentDesean Jackson, Delaware State Agree to Contract to Be Next HC; 'Dream' to Coach HBCU