Far right parties in France and Britain forge closer ties

French far-right leader Jordan Bardella will address Reform UK's party conference in Birmingham on Friday, appearing alongside Nigel Farage to strengthen ties between Europe's most successful populist radical-right parties. Both share similar positions on immigration but have not always been natural allies. Bardella, 30, and Farage, 62, met in London last December, discussing small boat crossings and energy. Farage welcomed Bardella as representing "a new generation of political leaders standing up for their countries, their borders and their people." Bardella told the BBC he believes Farage will become the next UK prime minister. Marine Le Pen has declared her presidential candidacy with Bardella as her prime minister pick, though she faces a 2025 embezzlement conviction and an EU funds probe. The conference also serves as a business convention, with Bardella seeking international credibility and potential campaign fundraisers among Britain's financial community.