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West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil prices rallied on Wednesday, jumping around 2.75% and clipping into $70 per barrel after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a steeper drawdown in US Crude Oil reserves than energy traders anticipated. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has lowered its forecasts for global Crude Oil demand growth, however barrel traders are still banking on growing energy demand from China to sop up the extra. According to the EIA, US Crude Oil Stocks Change for the week ended December 6 fell by 1.425 million barrels, below the forecast -1.1 million and declining further from the previous week’s decline of over 5 million barrels. With US Crude Oil reserve drying up in the pipe, barrel traders found the buy button on the expectation that US processors will be forced to increase the pace of their market buying. reduced its forecasts for global Crude Oil demand growth in the coming year, dragging the Crude Oil consortium’s lofty expectations closer in-line with the more demure forecasts posted by the EIA. OPEC now anticipates that global oil demand will increase by 1.61 million barrels per day in 2024, a reduction from last month's forecast of 1.82 million barrels. Additionally, for 2025, they have revised their growth estimate down to 1.45 million barrels per day from the previous 1.54 million barrels. Crude Oil price forecast Crude Oil prices have been traveling in a rough downside wedge since dipping below $66 per barrel in September. bids, despite finding a technical floor below $68 per barrel, have been unable to decisively pierce above the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), and intraday price action is poised to continue battling the moving average in the near term. Despite barrel prices seemingly held aloft of further downside pressure from a bidding zone just north of the $66 key handle, topside momentum remains limited, and Crude Oil bulls will continue to find themselves short-changed as swing highs continue to grind lower below the 200-day EMA near $73.80. WTI daily chart WTI Oil FAQs WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media. Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa. The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia.On Wednesday at around 6pm, thousands of social media users in parts of the UK reported an outage with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The social media giant reported that a “technical issue” had left users unable to access its services. DownDetector, a website that monitors social media outages, says the three cities hit worst by the outage were London, Manchester and Glasgow. Other major cities hit hard by the blackout were Cardiff, Nottingham and Birmingham. Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. We apologize to those who’ve been affected by the outage. — Meta (@Meta) December 11, 2024 By around 10pm on Wednesday, DownDetector UK said there had been 23,445 reports of Facebook outages, 11,466 Instagram outages and 18,646 on WhatsApp across Britain. In an update issued at 10.26pm on X, Meta said the problem was now nearly resolved. A spokesperson said: “Thanks for bearing with us! We’re 99% of the way there – just doing some last checks. “We apologise to those who’ve been affected by the outage.” Other parts of the world affected include Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, according to DownTracker. To find out if your area is affected, visit: downdetector.co.uk/status/facebook/map .
The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . RIVERDALE, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Pascarelli scored 24 points as Marist beat Manhattan 82-75 on Sunday. Pascarelli had six rebounds for the Red Foxes (6-2, 2-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Elijah Lewis added 18 points and eight rebounds. Jason Schofield had 12 points and finished 6 of 10 from the floor. Will Sydnor led the way for the Jaspers (4-5, 1-1) with 15 points and two blocks. Wesley Robinson added 14 points, six rebounds and two steals. Masiah Gilyard had 13 points and six rebounds. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Whether you look forward to Christmas all year or you’re totally Team Bah Humbug, the holiday season is both merrier and brighter when you get to give (and receive!) the . And since you’ve been very, very good (or, you know, very bad 😈) this year, we put together a list of 24 days’ worth of Christmas sex positions, to make sure you get exactly what you want under your tree this year. But just as the magic of Christmas can make it the best time of year, we also know that it can be, uh, (Extended family time! Huge lines everywhere! And forget shopping IRL.) That’s why it’s so important to prioritize , says sexologist , sexpert for sexual wellness brand and retailer. “Affection could be the last thing on your list of things to do, so prioritizing it (and your sex life) is essential for a lasting, loving relationship.” Put intimacy on the top on your list by sneaking away for some and staying connected with . More Holiday Spice, Just For You: Another great way to infuse passion into the busiest season of the year? , which work whether you’re at a party or . “Having a code word or phrase, such as ‘Did you find that document?’ can be a code for you and a lover to go to a closet, bathroom, or bedroom and get your quickie in,” says Stewart. Sneaky sexy. Love this for you! And because Christmas the season of giving, after all, “try putting something erotic in their stocking that foreshadows a sexual experience you want to share, like a sexy coupon that your partner can cash in later for a good time, or a ,” suggests , a sexologist for . “If you're the gaming type, gift yourselves a like ,” says Stewart. Whether you’re feeling extra-naughty or oh-so-nice, these Christmas sex positions can help you ~sleigh~ this holiday season. Now go forth and be merry. Santa’s Helper Stewart recommends ringing in the holiday season with a . Want to be Santa’s mistress? Wear something Christmasy and sexy, and let the games begin. “You can also use underneath your Christmas outfit for an added bonus. It’ll come as a nice surprise as you challenge your lover to lick them off.” Complete the look with some and await your ravishing. The Lap of Love Give your partner’s butt some holiday attention. The receiver sits in a chair and the giver lies on top of the receiver’s thigh with their hands on the ground. If they’re on the naughty list, a spanking might be in order. If they’re been nice, slide a lubey finger or in their ass for some . XXXmas Body Painting “Bring out a set of body paints and indulge in a playful exchange of holiday-inspired artistry,” says Davis-Fainbloom. “Transform your partner's body into an erotic canvas, where passion, creativity, and holiday spirit converge.” Try edible body paints so you can lick your creations off of each other. Beg For Your Gift Looking for some sexy roleplay vibes? Designate one of you as the giver, the other the receiver. “The giver dictates the pace and intensity, skillfully orchestrating the ebb and flow of desire. They may choose to —teasing them to the brink and making them beg for release,” says Davis-Fainbloom. “Of course, when entering any scene, you need first to discuss boundaries and safe words.” (Here are some .) Fantasy Cocktail Night “Gift your partner a fantasy cocktail night coupon tucked into their stocking,” suggests Davis-Fainbloom. “Let them choose the date and location, whether it's a cozy picnic at home or going out to a nice lounge. During this night out, discuss desires, fantasies, and shared erotic aspirations for the upcoming year. As the night progresses, collaboratively decide on at least one new sexual experience to explore once you return home.” If you don’t know where to start, here’s a cheat sheet of .) Tie One On Use Christmas lights or tinsel to (carefully) tie each other up. “I love with Christmas lights and decorations so I can wrap and unwrap my own sexy presents!” says , an intimacy and relationship coach. If you’re not quite at Shibari-levels of expertise, try DIY holiday-themed light using gift ribbons as wrist bindings or a cardboard gift wrap tube as a spreader bar. Have a Very Sexy Advent We are blessed with so many great choices (srsly these are so cute) but if you or your partner are sex toy-averse, try a lingerie advent calendar instead. Every night for seven days, you get to open a little drawer, bust out something cute, have your partner close their eyes and feel what you’re wearing. Warm and Bothered Feel the warmth of the season by slipping into luxe warm bath, then slowly soaping each other up. When you absolutely must have each other (or are just getting too wrinkly), wrap up in robes then head to bed. Keep your robes on and just open them in front for cozy missionary. “Since our bodies are responsive to heat, consider using a warming lubricant,” says , resident sexologist at . And if you want to get kinky, put some socks on. “Research suggests that women are more likely to have an orgasm if our feet are warm, so leave your boots, socks or slippers on,” she says. All Wrapped Up If you’ve been living in yoga pants forever, it’s time to rediscover the . Present your fine-ass self in sexy lingerie that fits comfortably, sit on your partner’s lap facing them, and kiss your way down their neck while you grind against them. Tease them with your kisses before you let them unwrap you Santa Claus Is Cuming What better time of year to play dress up in bed than Christmas? Have your partner dress up as Santa (at least their top half) as you let them hear how good you’ve been this year. “Sit sideways on your partner’s lap with your arms around their neck to try the Santa’s lap position,” says Marsha Jackson, a sex counselor who specializes in queer and gender fluid people. “As they penetrate you from underneath, use your sexy whisper to tell them what you really want to find under the tree for Christmas.” (If you’re really into it, spring for the extra Santa accessories. Santa rubbing you with his gloved hand? White beard + oral? Yes please!) Shhh-ower Stuff Wanna get it on but feel super awk doing it at your parents’ house? Two words: shower sex. Give your partner the gift of waterproof sex toys by putting together a gift basket full of ’em and putting them to good use. “Join your honey in the shower (perhaps to sneak away while staying with relatives) and allow the heat to build between your bodies,” says O’Reilly. “Kneel at their feet for a hot oral session or sit in one another’s laps for rear entry. Be sure to keep a on hand to keep things slick and slippery between your bodies.” The Big Present Go big with a jumbo kit of couples toys. Take turns picking one or two things out a night and figuring out how to have your way with them. Wrist cuffs + internal stimulation? A vibrating stroker and a blindfold? Hmmmm...so many possibilities. Candy Cane Dreams Arousal gels and creams help focus your attention and increase sensations. Try an arousal cream with a little bit of menthol, cinnamon, or mint (seasonal!)—penises, nipples, and vulvas read the tingliness as arousal. (Some can be a bit much on tender bits, so start off with a wee amount and be ready to flee to the shower if it’s less sexy and more burny.) Get a selection and try them out by dabbing them on slowly for maximum buildup. The Chimney Sweep If your partner has a prostate, move beyond the basic finger-in-the-butt move to a toy that gives them deeper, more direct stimulation. For the best results, until they are very aroused. Slowly slide a lubed-up prostate vibrator into their butt, pressing it on the upper wall until you find the nerve-rich prostate gland a couple of inches inside. People with penises report that orgasms with prostate stimulation can feel deeper and more intense. Merry Christmas. The Mmmelter Gift them a set of candles that melt into warm, silky massage oil as they burn for some fun . It’s sexy lighting that gently scents the room as you pour warm drops of the oil into the small of your partner’s back, between their toes, down their inner thighs. Rub as you go and watch them melt for you, then slip your hand under their hips for the best massage of all. (Use regular lube if anything’s going inside someone.) The Shake It Couples is becoming more and more of a thing, but if you don’t want your naked self in a photo studio, go with an instant film camera, so you can do whatever the hell you want with the naughty photos. Go soft-core sexy (like placing their hand on your boob), or super raunchy (like a POV shot of them about to go down on you), or turn the timer on and let it capture you ravishing each other. The 12 Days Craze 12 Days of Sexy is like an Advent calendar, but instead of mediocre chocolates, each little compartment is filled with a sexy toy, like a blindfold, a diamond-shaped vibrator (fancy!) or the MAZE Tassel Choker that doubles as a whip. Treat yourself every day, and then some. The Steam Press Make workable with something to hang onto to get yourselves where you need to be. Press yourself tightly into the corner while they hang on to the handles, propping their foot up on the footrest to get in deep and close. Kind of like spooning while standing, but more intense. (If you accidentally leave the foot rest up, it’s good for shaving your legs too). The Mixologist Mix edible like an actual lube artisan. For a coffee lover, turn yourself into a coffee house with dollops of salted caramel, cinnamon bun, blueberry and/or vanilla bean. Or create a makeshift appletini (lil shot of vodka for them, followed by a dollop of candy apple on your boobs). Don’t forget to return the favor, since this is supposedly a gift for , after all. The Magic of the Season Trust us when we say there is fun to be had with a . Most clit owners know the glory of the wand, but if your partner has a penis, let them in on its powers by having them stand at the edge of the bed, pressing the wand into the base of their shaft to create a Magical Vibrating Penis for you and some serious throbs for them. Holidays on Ice For a pretty broad hint that you’d like to go ing, spring for a big ol’ box of toys. Test it out with one of you lying face down with your wrists bound via cuffs. Try a few flicks with the flogger and go from there. Pleasure/pain mixes work best, ie., ice followed by your warm mouth, or a smart smack, then a gentle caress. (If you’re not feeling spendy, put together a starter BSDM kit with a spanking tool, blindfold, and soft restraints in a fancy box from the dollar store.) The Wet and Wild If you like things wet (no further questions), get yourself a lush throw that lets you get as messy as you want and ensures no one gets left with the sad, cold wet spot. Pick a blanket side (velvet microfiber or satiny), then . Seriously, drench yourselves till you can barely hang onto each other. Lie on top of your partner, chest to chest, and slide back and forth, trying to keep them inside you while rubbing your clit on their pelvic bone. A Novel Evening Pamper your with a sexy private reading of your favorite erotica and, if you want to be extra, an accompanying set of props to help for acting out the story (or creating a new ending). You can gift them a set of sexy books ( ) or there’s plenty of online. Lord of the Ring For a gift that’s secretly for you too, give your favorite penis owner a luxe . It keeps them harder longer, for more explosive orgasms (and provides perfectly-placed clit vibrations for you). Try a more grinding than thrusting missionary, so you can angle yourself against them. Jill Hamilton is a contributor for Cosmopolitan.com and writes the blog
ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Al Green scored 19 points and Sean Newman Jr. added seven in the overtime as Louisiana Tech knocked off Southern Illinois 85-79 in a first-round contest at the Gulf Coast Showcase on Monday night. Green had three steals for the Bulldogs (5-0). Kaden Cooper scored 18 points and added 12 rebounds and four steals. Amaree Abram went 8 of 13 from the field to finish with 18 points, while adding six steals. Kennard Davis led the way for the Salukis (2-4) with 16 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. Southern Illinois also got 15 points and eight rebounds from Jarrett Hensley. Ali Abdou Dibba also had 12 points and two steals. Cooper scored 12 points in the first half and Louisiana Tech went into the break trailing 31-27. Abram's 16-point second half helped Louisiana Tech close out the six-point victory. NEXT UP These two teams both play Tuesday in the six-team, round-robin tournament. Louisiana Tech squares off against Richmond and Southern Illinois faces Eastern Kentucky. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
New Jackpot.com customers can claim a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play with promo code XMAS SAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Christmas Day just hours away, lottery players across the country are preparing for an extraordinary opportunity to take home Mega Millions' seventh-largest Jackpot as a winner has not won the grand prize in the last 29 drawings, dating back to September 10th when a Texas resident took home $810 million . 2024 has already been a record-breaking year for the lottery as it hit the ground running with a massive $842.4 million Powerball win on New Year's Day. Shortly after, a second lucky winner took home a staggering $1.13 billion Mega Millions prize in March, followed by a $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot in April, all of which signify some of the largest prizes ever awarded. 2025 represents a significant year for Mega Millions players, as the game as they know it will undergo a variety of changes come April. The game will feature larger starting jackpots, expedited rollover growth, and better odds. Lottery courier services like Jackpot.com eagerly await these welcome changes, which will not only enhance gameplay, but also elevate player experience(s). "There's a lot to like about the upcoming changes to Mega Millions," said CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com , Akshay Khanna . "Whether you're a casual player or avid lottery user, the faster-growing jackpots, improved odds, and built-in multipliers will offer an entirely new feel to the game - hopefully one that encourages new players to get in on the action. That said, we have a one billion-dollar prize just before Christmas and potentially the ultimate present for one lucky winner, a life-changing gift at that." While tonight's drawing occurs on Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions jackpot has been won just once on the "Eve." Back in 2002, a $68 million jackpot was won in New York , unfortunately going unclaimed. Currently available in Colorado , Massachusetts , Arkansas , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Texas , and Arizona , New Jackpot.com customers can get in on the fun this holiday by scoring a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play by using promo code XMAS. Amid the Mega Millions frenzy, Jackpot.com remains committed to upholding responsible gaming protocols through the integration of modern conveniences and safety guardrails, one of the standout features of digital lottery platforms. Through responsible gaming protections including spend limits, default limits on daily deposits, access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior arise, Jackpot.com ensures safe and secure transactions and play. The platform is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling . To get started, download the Jackpot.com Lottery App on the iOS or Android App Stores, or visit www.jackpot.com to learn more. About Jackpot.com Jackpot.com allows customers to order official state lottery tickets from their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Currently available in Colorado , Massachusetts , Arkansas , New Jersey , New York , Ohio and Texas , Jackpot.com is expanding its safe and secure lottery courier service to additional markets across the US. An Associate Member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Jackpot.com has invested significantly in responsible gaming safeguards, with default spending limits and other features built in throughout the experience, earning it iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gaming. To learn more, visit www.jackpot.com or download the iOS or Android app. Jason Heller Senior Vice President 212.584.4278| 5WPR.com 3 Park Avenue, Floor 19 New York, NY 10016 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tickets-to-the-1-billion-mega-millions-draw-available-this-christmas-eve-on-jackpotcom-302339022.html SOURCE Jackpot.comNews junkies will find much to love in “September 5,” a fictionalized account of ABC’s live coverage of the hostage crisis during the 1972 Munich Olympics . There are spirited debates about reporting with only one source, use of words like “terrorism” and what to do if violence breaks out during a live shot. There are negotiations with rival networks over satellite usage, disguises and fake badges made to get reels of 16mm film in and out of the locked down Olympic village and plenty of confused men (and a few women) trying to keep up with an ever-escalating situation. The film is a moment by moment retelling of how a group of sports broadcasters brought this story to the world in real time, despite the technical limitations and their own inexperience across a confusing 22 hours. Everyone came to the studio that night ready for breaking sports news, scores and pre-packaged interviews. Even that was going to be a test for the man running the control room for the first time. Geoffrey Mason, portrayed by John Magaro , was a 28-year-old coordinating producer. Someone wonders about his experience and is assured that he’s covered minor league baseball games. But in the early hours of Sept. 5, 1972 , eight members of a Palestinian group called Black September broke into the Olympic village and attacked the Israeli delegation killing wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossi Romano. Some escaped, but nine others were taken hostage. While the tragedy of the Munich Olympics has certainly been told many times, writer and director Tim Fehlbaum saw an opportunity in the team behind the live broadcast. And he commits fully to staying in the newsroom, with all of its glorious old technologies, from the walkie-talkies they used to stay in touch and to taking time to show how they had to manually add text to the screens. He and his screenwriter were able to reconstruct the events almost minute-by-minute, which helped shape the screenplay. The players are many in this large ensemble. Peter Sarsgaard , who’s looked right in a newsroom since “Shattered Glass,” gives gravitas to Roone Arledge, then-president of ABC Sports, and Ben Chaplin is operations engineer Marvin Bader. Leonie Benesch is Marianne Gebhardt, a German-speaking interpreter who is the only person there able to understand the language of the country. She might be a bit of a composite who checks off a lot of boxes as both an entrepreneurial woman and a younger German offering perspective and insight into what this moment might mean for the country trying to put on a good front in the aftermath of World War II. An actor (Benjamin Walker) plays broadcaster Peter Jennings, and real archival footage of anchor Jim McKay from that day is used in the film. And while they all rise to the occasion, mistakes are made – including a rather big one at the end, following imperfect secondhand information from the Fuerstenfeldbruck airfield. They don’t call it the first draft of history for nothing, after all, and it may be illuminating for audiences to see how it’s handled. The film looks of its time, but it also feels fairly modern in its sensibilities which makes it always seem more like a re-telling than an in-the-moment experience. This may be to its detriment, yet it’s still an undeniably riveting and compelling watch. The word thrilling doesn’t seem appropriate, however. This is not “Apollo 13” after all. The end is not a happy one. But at time when trust in the media is in crisis, this film is a great humanizer, reminding audiences that the media is far from a monolith, but a group of individuals under immense pressure to get the story right, get the story out and go back and do it again the next day. “September 5,” a Paramount Pictures release in theaters Friday, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language. Running time: 94. Three stars out of four. Lindsey Bahr, The Associated Press
QB Josh Allen and coach Sean McDermott deserve credit in Bills latest AFC East-clinching season
Survey to assess impact of cash handoutNone
Total advertising revenue to hit AUD 30.5 billion in 2025: MAGNA 2024Ukraine must be placed in the “strongest possible position for negotiations” to end the war with Russia, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”