Tim Parsons

gbnews.com/politics/nigel-fa… Ooopsss… Mr.@Nigel_Farage himself has just challenged me on the facts! What an honor — for a “giant man,” as he described me (meaning, of course, from a “tiny country”) — to earn the attention of Britain’s unrivaled virtuoso of headline politics. He said — and I quote: “I tell you what, Mr. Rama, did you know one in 50 Albanians in Britain are in prison? So show some goodwill and take them all back tomorrow, because this is hypocrisy.” Well, Mr. Farage — let me return the challenge with something unusually boring in your line of work: actual numbers. That “one in 50 Albanians are in prison” claim? It’s not a fact. It’s bonkers. A classic from the post-truth Brexit playbook: “If it sounds scary, it must be true.” Guess what? When the numbers are actually run — surprise! — even if we assumed every Albanian currently in prison is guilty (and in fact, many are caught up in an outdated and restrictive visa system), the rate of criminality among Albanians in the UK would be no higher than — and likely lower than — that of the British population itself. Now, since we both seem to cherish “goodwill” and are clearly allergic to “hypocrisy,” here’s my offer: Let’s both bring our numbers to the table. If your “one in 50” claim holds water — I will personally commit to taking them all back. That’s not a competing headline — it’s a public pledge. But if your scary stat turns out to be just tabloid fuel, then no apology needed. No drama. Instead, you’ll come to Albania — as my guest of honor. You’ll get real sun, real hospitality, and even more real facts — about Albania and its fabulous people. And all I ask in return is the simplest public pledge from you, made while enjoying our country: next time someone badmouths Albanians, you’ll be the first to tell them — in your histrionic way — not to do it again. So what do you say? One fact-check for a full deportation — or a full vacation, with some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. Come on, Nigel. If you lose on a fact check, you’ll still win a whole nation of friends for life. Looking forward to hearing from you.