The four astronauts that make up SpaceX Crew-12 have began their journey to the International Space Station (ISS).

Nasa’s Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, the European Space Agency’s Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos’s Andrey Fedyaev are all aboard the Falcon 9 rocket as it travels 34 hours to its destination.

The crew will spend eight months on the ISS, replacing a team that evacuated the station last month due to a medical emergency.

“Crew-12 is grateful and ready for the journey ahead”, mission commander Jessica Meir said after the launch.

In the Middle East, nothing is ever straightforward, and so it was. 

Benjamin Netanyahu had barely landed back in Tel Aviv when his friend in the White House was launching a stinging attack upon the man at the top of Israeli politics.

No, not Netanyahu, who Donald Trump continues to treat as a close friend.

No, the target of Trump‘s ire was Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog.

The American leader said that Herzog should be “ashamed of himself” for failing to pardon Netanyahu, who hasn’t actually been convicted of anything.

Netanyahu certainly has been accused of crimes by the courts in Israel, namely bribery, fraud and breach of trust. The criminal action against him has been rolling on for nearly six years, interrupted constantly by delays and excuses.

The Israeli prime minister has regularly failed to turn up for court, citing the argument that running his country takes up a lot of his time.

He always maintained that he wanted to prove his innocence in court, but then, at the end of last year, he formally requested a pardon for the charges.

He said the case had become a distraction; his opponents insisted that “only the guilty ask for a pardon”.

By this time, Trump had already laid the ground, making it clear that he thought a pardon was deserved.

As a president who has issued pardons to the best part of 2,000 people, charged or convicted, over the past year, he might think it’s a pretty straightforward job. The Israeli president seems to disagree.

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Netanyahu’s visit is discussed on The World

Herzog issued a statement that made it clear that the legal process behind the decision was long and unwieldy, and that he couldn’t just make up his mind for himself.

He also said he “deeply appreciates President Trump”, the man who had just told Herzog he should be ashamed of himself.

It’s hard to imagine what level of insult it would take for an Israeli politician to actually publicly condemn Trump, but we’re not there yet.

But there are tensions.

This was Netanyahu’s sixth visit to Washington DC since Trump’s return to office, but it was the lowest profile.

He arrived with no fanfare, and there was no press conference after the meeting.

The nuances were clear, though.

Netanyahu, along with colleagues in the Israeli cabinet, is worried that the Americans will end up going soft on Iran, giving them a deal on nuclear enrichment, easing sanctions and doing nothing to limit their arsenal of ballistic missiles or their control of proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen.

“I will not hide from you that I expressed general scepticism about the nature of any agreement with Iran,” said Netanyahu, possibly the most critical comment he has ever made about Trump.

Moments later, as if to mollify the American, he described him as “a great friend of the State of Israel, who was like no other”.

There is no hiding the schism that now lies between these two countries, for so long, so allied.

Israel is desperate for action against Iran’s growing stockpile of missiles, America is focused on stopping nuclear enrichment.

JD Vance has poured a lot of cold water on the US taking military action, fearful of American casualties should Iran respond by targeting the country’s various bases in the Middle East.

Which, almost certainly, it would.

Israel, behind the scenes, is making plans for what would happen if it felt it had to take unilateral action, and that still needs the buy-in of Trump’s administration.

Read more from Sky News:
Palestine Action wins challenge over group’s ban as terrorist organisation
Robert F Kennedy Jr admits he used to ‘snort cocaine off toilet seats’

Even if the Americans don’t actually fire the weapons, for instance, would they be prepared to restock the missiles that are crucial to Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system?

You’d assume the answer is yes, but do we know that for sure?

But Netanyahu must tread carefully.

He has a general election later this year, and he is certainly not guaranteed to be prime minister beyond it.

He is not only facing criminal charges in Israel, but he is also indicted on war crimes charges by the International Criminal Court.

There are many countries he cannot visit for fear of being arrested.

Israel’s prime minister is a pariah in the eyes of many, with very, very few high-profile diplomatic friends, other than one – the most powerful man in the world.

York Outer MP Luke Charters has welcomed what he called the biggest overhaul of the veterinary sector in more than 60 years, designed to make veterinary services clearer, fairer and more affordable for families and pet owners.

The proposed changes will improve price transparency, strengthen regulation, and modernise outdated rules, while also supporting vets and veterinary nurses.

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His comments follow a meeting with VetPartners, one of the UK’s largest veterinary groups, which is headquartered in his constituency York Outer.

Mr Charters said: “Anyone who has a pet knows how stressful it can be when you’re worried about their health – and that stress is made worse if costs aren’t clear. I’m a pet lover myself, so this matters to me personally.

“It was useful to meet VetPartners recently and hear directly about the pressures vets and nurses are facing, and how these reforms could make a difference.

“These reforms will make a real difference for pet owners here in York – giving people clearer information, more confidence in the care their animals receive, and reassurance that the system is fairer and more transparent.”

The MP and industry leaders discussed key challenges in the sector, including workforce shortages, rising costs for pet owners, and safeguarding high standards of animal welfare.

British Veterinary Association president Dr Rob Williams also voiced strong support for legislative changes.

Dr Williams said: “Vets play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.

“If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we urgently need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work.

“It’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape veterinary legislation that’s fit for the 21st century.”

The reforms follow findings from the Competition and Markets Authority, which said issues in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years, with fees rising much faster than inflation.

The new rules aim to give pet owners clearer information about pricing and options while boosting accountability across the sector.

Lt Col Teeton said he was told by medical staff it was a “miracle” that he survived the attack having been left with a very large wound to the right side of his neck and further stab wounds to the front and back of his chest, front and back of his abdomen, left side of his lower abdomen, right groin, right upper arm and left thigh.

Haxby will once again have a permanent post office after it was announced that a new branch will open at the former Dutch Nurseries store in The Village on Monday, March 30.

It comes after a temporary post office was set up at the Oaken Grove Community Centre after the Morrisons Daily branch, which housed the previous post office, closed last May following nationwide cuts by the supermarket. 

The temporary post office will remain in place until the permanent post office opens.

Haxby and Wigginton’s ward councillors and the MP for York Outer, who all campaigned to reopen a permanent post office in the town, welcomed the news.

Cllr Andrew Hollyer said he and his fellow Liberal Democrat councillors had worked with residents to reopen a new post office in The Village, “which is the most accessible location for residents”.

Cllr Richard Watson said the councillors are aware that the location in The Village has some “parking pressures”, and that a “bottleneck can form near the pharmacy at busy times”.

But he said the councillors will “continue to work with the Post Office and the council to make sure access for all residents, including those on foot or with mobility issues, is as safe and convenient as possible”.

“The new permanent post office on The Village will provide certainty for residents and businesses who rely on these essential services,” he added. “We are proud to have delivered this outcome for our community.”

Cllr Hollyer urged residents to fill out the Post Office’s consultation on access to the new site.

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Meanwhile, Cllr Ian Cuthbertson praised everyone who supported the campaign. “Without that support, residents could have been left without a local post office for far longer,” Cllr Cuthbertson said.

Luke Charters, the MP for York Outer, said he was “delighted” that a permanent post office had been secured for Haxby.

“This is fantastic news for our community,” he said, adding: “Thank you to everyone who completed the consultation I shared last October, following the opening of the temporary service at Oaken Grove Community Centre. That temporary branch was an important step forward while we worked to secure a permanent solution.

“I would also like to thank Haxby Town Council for their tireless efforts in helping to establish the temporary service.”

Luke Charters, MP for York Outer (Image: Supplied)

The Labour MP added: “Although the decision has now been made to reopen the branch, the Post Office has launched a further consultation on the proposed location. I would encourage residents to take part and share their views.”

To take part in the consultation, visit: https://www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/haxby-yo32-3hs-380349engage/

Busted bassist Matt Willis has opened up about the moment he was helped by a stranger after checking into a rehab facility in a bid to get clean from drink and drugs

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Matt Willis was discovered “passed out in the street” before being admitted to rehab. The 42-year-old Busted star has been candid about his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, which started when he was a teenager.

Throughout his life, Matt admits he would “get clean for a while” and then “start using again”. On his On The Mend podcast, Matt reveals it reached a point where he called his drugs counsellor stating he doesn’t “want this anymore” and that he requires assistance.

He detailed how his tour manager arranged for him to be admitted to a facility in Bournemouth. However, he chose to “run” from the facility and get “absolutely wasted”.

He elaborated: “I ran as far away from that place as I could and I found myself at a little cornershop around the street from the rehab and I bought as much booze as I could and I sat there and got absolutely wasted outside someone’s house.

“I drank probably eight cans of cider really quickly and I must have passed out and then I literally got woken up by this guy. This big bloke woke me up on the street and I’ve got this vague picture of him.”

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Matt explains he told the man he was “meant to go to rehab” but wasn’t sure where it was. He continued: “He was like, ‘You’re looking for the Providence Project mate, I know where that is.’ And he picked me up, and he put my arm around his shoulder and basically carried me to the door of The Provy. He had been there, he was a person who had been through the project and lived down the road.

“He took me there, dropped me off at the door, and I never saw him again. The reason I walked in that door is because he found me in the street and he took me there, it’s like a f*****g angel found me in the street and carried me there because he knew I needed to be there.”

Matt continued to describe how the clinic was shut when he arrived, leading him to worry that he had “fallen asleep all day”. However, he was later admitted to the facility, waking up the next morning filled with fear.

Having been to rehab twice previously, Matt concedes that the third time felt “very real”. He confesses that he could “relate” to his fellow residents as they weren’t “celebrities and investment bankers”.

Within three days, he committed himself “to do everything I’m told” and heed the advice given. He acknowledges that his impending nuptials to Emma motivated him to stay on the right path.

He added: “I got out of rehab on the morning of the Thursday and I got married on the Saturday morning. I turned up at my wedding day clean and sober. My drugs counsellor was at the wedding with me, he was just there as protection for me because I was scared. I lasted the whole day clean and sober but it wasn’t the greatest of days for me.”

Matt and Emma tied the knot at Rushton Hall in Northamptonshire on 5 July, 2008. They are now parents to Isabella, Ace and Trixie. The bassist admits, though, that a subsequent setback left him worried about the future of his marriage. Now clean and sober for eight years, he credits Emma, 49, for her steadfast support.

Celebrating his milestone last August, he shared with fans in a heartfelt message: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far. I’ve got some big plans for the next couple of years… let’s see how far we can go.”

I’m not alone in my boldness

‘Chalant’ dating is on the rise

Since the pandemic, more children have been starting school without being “school-ready”.

In 2022-23, 33% of all children starting reception in England did not have the skills needed for success in school, rising to 45% of children receiving free school meals.

Language deficits are a significant part of a lack of school readiness. These include the failure both to understand and produce language, driven by a lack of vocabulary. These skills are important for regulating attention and behaviour. The inability to understand or express themselves makes engagement in school challenging for children.

Early childhood language difficulties have a long term impact. Children with identified vocabulary difficulties at age five are three times more likely to have mental health problems in adulthood, and are twice as likely to be unemployed.

What’s more, 81% of children with behavioural problems have language difficulties, and 60% of young offenders have low language skills. Language skill deficits are a major public health concern.

One evidence-based way to improve young children’s language development is through dialogic book sharing. This means that while looking at a book with an adult, children are prompted to speak by being asked questions.

These could be about, for example, what they can see, what they think might happen, how they think people in the pictures are feeling and whether they have had that experience themselves. Adults provide enthusiastic feedback to the child, praising them, as well as repeating what they say and expanding on it.

Using dialogic book sharing, adults become active listeners and encourage children to assume a progressively more active role in storytelling. Adults follow the child’s lead, encouraging them to actively participate in conversations and increasing both the number and complexity of questions asked.

Dialogic book sharing programmes for parents of younger children have shown that giving them the skills to support their children can increase children’s language skills.

Looking at books with adults can give children more frequent exposure to a wider vocabulary of words. Child-directed speech quality – the amount and quality of speech directed at children by their parents or carers – is a strong predictor of children’s vocabulary and language development.

My research with colleagues adds to this evidence. In one study, parents took part in dialogic book sharing sessions in small groups with their children at school.

It resulted in significant increases in observed positive parenting, such as using praise and encouragement, and child expressive language skills. Parents also reported significantly higher rates of child prosocial behaviour (behaviour that enables children to get on with others) and social and emotional ability – their ability to regulate their emotions and get on with others.

Another study trained school-based teaching assistants to deliver the programme to targeted children in school. The teaching assistants reported positively on the training, and results showed an improvement in the children’s reading skills.

Starting conversations

Most recently, my colleagues and I assessed the effectiveness of a dialogic reading programme, “Books Together”, that we developed based on existing research and pre-existing dialogic book sharing resources, as well as our own research.

The programme is intended to promote children’s school readiness by enhancing their language competence. The programme was delivered online across North Wales to 44 parents of three- to five-year-olds. The parents were identified by schools as having children who would benefit from some support for their language skills.

The underpinning principle is that parents use books to promote conversations with children in which they follow children’s interests. They start with asking children what they see in the pictures and then moving to questions such as: “how do you think that character might be feeling?” “Have you ever felt like that? “What do you think might happen next?”

The results showed increases in children’s school readiness, as well as improvements in their prosocial behaviour and their social and emotional abilities, We also found that the programme had benefits for parents. We found an increase in parents’ wellbeing and in their ability to to understand and predict their children’s needs and respond sensitively. All reported continuing to share books with their children.

It is possible to use any books for dialogic book sharing with young children, but they must not be treated as a story to be read, rather as a prompt to create discussion.

Evidence from these three trials showed benefits to children from supporting both parents and school based support staff to engage in book sharing with children. It’s a proven way to help the growing number of children arriving at school without essential language skills – and who are at risk of exclusion and poor long term outcomes.

But let’s be honest – we’ve all felt that sinking feeling when you realise your child is the only one not in fancy dress or doesn’t have the book in hand as you arrive at the school gates. Between buying a costume and a copy of the book, it can get expensive – especially if the book was a long-returned library copy, one you now can’t find, or a film adaptation you want to bring to life.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune. These World Book Day costume ideas are quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Many of the books are available second-hand at a fraction of the price, and if you’re feeling crafty, some of the costumes can even be made at home.

When is World Book Day 2026?

It’s Thursday, March 5. Pop it in your calendar now.

Or, if you forget, the educational play experts at Playdale are here with ten of the best DIY World Book Day outfits you can put together in less than five minutes, with items you likely already have at home – perfect for that last-minute scramble.

1. Where’s Wally?

A super-simple costume that’s still seriously cute – simply give your little one a stripy top and a pair of black-rimmed glasses. Bonus points if you can find a stripy hat with a pom-pom on the top – or stick a ball of cotton wool on top.

This costume has the added benefit of essentially being normal clothes, meaning your child is unlikely to be uncomfortable or overheat in an overly complicated costume.

There are Where’s Wally books available on World of Books now from £3.50. Buy three and you get three free, so team up with your parent friends and get a great deal.

2. Miss Trunchbull

From the beloved Roald Dahl book Matilda, Miss Trunchbull is a great character to dress up as for World Book Day. She’s an iconic character in the story, so your little one can have fun playing the part, and her outfit is really simple to put together.

All you need is a pair of black trousers, a grey sweatshirt and a huge belt. Slick your kid’s hair back into a tight, low bun, add a grumpy face and the look is complete.

Matilda by Roald Dahl is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

3. Mr Men & Little Miss

This well-known series offers endless opportunities for easy World Book Day costumes. Whether your little one is a total Mr Greedy, a sunny Little Miss Sunshine or typical Mr Messy, simply dress them head to toe in their chosen character’s dominant colour.

Mr Bump could wear all blue with a few bandages tied around their head or arms, while Little Miss Shy can also wear all blue, with a dusting of bright pink blusher on both cheeks. Mr Happy can dress completely in bright yellow – with a huge smile as the only accessory required.

Mr Men books are available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

4. Violet Beauregarde

We’re thinking specifically of Violet before she becomes a huge blueberry! Another Roald Dahl invention, this time of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory fame, the character of Violet has become known for the bright blue tracksuit she sports in the 2005 film version – so simple to recreate.

To finish off the look, grab some purple or blue eyeshadow and smudge a little across your child’s nose and the tops of their cheeks, to mimic the moment when Violet begins to turn violet.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

5. The Questioneers

The brilliant series of books by Andrea Beaty gives us multiple World Book Day costumes. Have your little one dress up as Ada Twist, a scientist with a red and white spotty dress, white socks and black shoes. You could even add some yellow hair accessories to really complete the look.

You can also go for Rosie Revere, an engineer with a white dress and a red and white spotty headscarf. Or dress up as Iggy Peck, an architect with a black and white patterned jumper, black trousers and a signature pencil behind the ear.

The Questioneers is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

6. Peter Rabbit

This classic Beatrix Potter character makes for a super-simple costume. Just dress your little one in neutral colours – white or brown works best – and then add a blue, button-up jacket on top. Finally, add a pair of rabbit ears to complete the look.

If you have face paints at home, you can even decorate your child’s face with a cute bunny nose and whiskers.

Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

7. Room on The Broom Witch

Have you got an old Halloween witch costume gathering dust somewhere? Reuse the pointy hat, cloak and black skirt or dress to transform your little one into the kindly witch from Julia Donaldson’s brilliant Room on The Broom.

If your child has long hair, style it into a single plait and fasten with a cute bow. Bonus points if you have a toy cat or a sparkly wand they can carry.

Room on the Broom is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

8. Princess Pearl

Another Julia Donaldson creation, Princess Pearl is a really easy DIY costume, especially if your kids already have a doctor or nurse dress-up set! All you need is a red dress, a long, white coat and a toy stethoscope.

Go the extra mile by adding blue shoes, white tights and a green headband – just like Princess Pearl’s.

Zog is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

9. Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs

This lovely Ian Whybrow book provides us with another great World Book Day costume idea. Simply dress your little one in blue jeans, trainers, a stripy top and a red coat to reflect Harry’s clothes on the front cover of the book. Or, have them wear their favourite dinosaur-themed outfit.

Then, pop all of your toy dinosaurs into a plastic bucket for them to carry throughout the day.

Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs is available now from £3.50. Buy three and you get three free.

10. Mog

Judith Kerr’s iconic cat is another great character for your kids to dress up as – go for head-to-toe grey and add a pair of cat ears. Bonus points if the clothes have grey stripes, or if you can re-use an old onesie.

You can even tie a grey scarf around their waist to mimic a tail, completing the look. If you have face paint at home, add a cute pink nose and some simple whiskers.

Mog and Me is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

Recommended reading

What is World Book Day?

It’s a day that champions the fun of reading. Reading for fun is the single biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful life – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational backgrounds or their income.

The statistics show that World Book Day is needed now more than ever. A 2024 survey revealed that one in ten children aged 5–18 in the UK don’t own a book, with just one in three kids aged 8–18 actively enjoying reading, a decrease of 8.8% in the preceding 12 months.

But with recent figures showing that 24 million of us are living below the Minimum Income Standard (MIS), affecting almost half of all children living in the UK, it’s no surprise that items like books are being forgotten in favour of essentials.

But, it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

How to make a World Book Day costume for £1

Joel Pickering, Head of Brand and Marketing from Hobbycraft is a dab hand when it comes to whipping up a quick outfit on a budget: “We have a very quick, easy, but effective Harry Potter-inspired costume idea for those looking to celebrate World Book Day.

“Using a few simple craft supplies, you can create Harry’s signature round glasses using black pipe cleaners (£1 for pack of 12 at Hobbycraft) – just shape two circles, connect them with a small bridge, and add arms to finish.

“No wizard is complete without a wand, and you can craft your own using a wooden chopstick or knitting needle, adding texture to the top with a hot glue gun before leaving it to dry, then simply paint it brown for an authentic feel.

“To complete the look, a Gryffindor tie can be fashioned out of a sheet of red felt, before layering yellow felt stripes diagonally. Style with a white shirt or t-shirt you already have at home. Visit one of your local Hobbycraft stores to gather all the items you need. If Harry Potter isn’t your thing, check out www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ideas for more dress-up ideas.”

The Harry Potter books are available now from £3.50.

What to do if you forget World Book Day

If you only remember it’s World Book Day when you turn up at the gates and your kids are already in their school uniforms?

Just tell them to say they’re a character from Matilda, Mallory Towers, St Clare’s or the Murder Most Unladylike series.

There’s a reason so many great books are set in schools. 

New customers signing up for casino sites can claim casino bonus offers to start their wagering journey without having to use funds from their own pocket.

Casino bonuses offer customers bonus funds, free spins and more for signing up, with new customers eligible to claim a casino sign up bonus simply for registering online.

This page focuses on the best casino bonuses for new customers looking to sign up for a casino site, with our picks for operators that provide the top value on the market along with ease of use and few restrictions.

Here at The Independent, we pride ourselves on our reputation, so you can rest assured all the information in this casino bonus breakdown is impartial and reliable.

Every casino welcome offer featured has been certified by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.

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The Paddy Power Games bonus provides a total of 260 free spins for new users signing up for its online casino.

Users can claim 60 no deposit free spins using the Paddy Power Games promo code PGCTV1. Users can claim 50 spins immediately, while a further 10 come in a £1 bonus for use on Paddy Power Mansion Heist.

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If you’re not already a Betfred customer and are searching for the best slot sites with a standout casino welcome bonus, it’s certainly worth considering.

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Once users have deposited and staked £10 on online slots, they will receive 200 free spins credited as either 50 Free Spins on Age Of The Gods™ at £0.20 per spin, 100 Free Spins on Better Wilds at £0.10 per spin, 200 Free Spins on Age Of The Gods™ God of Storms 2 at £0.05 per spin.

What makes this casino offer particularly appealing is this flexibility, allowing users to tailor your online casino bonus to your preferred slot style and volatility.

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By clicking the link above and depositing £10 into your online account within 30 days of signing up, customers can then choose 10 colour boxes over a 20-day period, unlocking between 5, 10, 20 and 50 free spins each time.

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Users can unlock a further 100 free spins by depositing and staking £10 online, with no wagering requirements on any free spins included in the offer.

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Your 100 free spins are credited once users have completed playing requirements, with all spins for use on popular slot title Big Bass Bonanza. Free spins are available for seven days, while deposits made using pre-paid cards are not eligible.

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Kwiff demands a higher deposit and play requirement than other casino sites, but their casino welcome offer comes with more spins than most of its rivals.

New users must deposit and play £20 worth of online slots in order to unlock 200 free spins. Spins are credited once wagering is complete, and this is usually within 24 hours.

Free spins are no wagering free spins and are available for seven days, with the bonus eligible for use on online slot Book of Dead.

10. NetBet

Casino bonus: 11 No Deposit Free Spins + Stake £20 Get £100 Free Spins

NetBet delivers no deposit free spins with its casino welcome bonus, although it does require a higher deposit and fewer spins than other operators.

Customers can secure 11 no deposit free spins for simply signing up for NetBet, while a further 100 are unlocked once users have deposited and played £20 worth of online slots.

Users must enter the NetBet promo code KINGKONG on sign up to unlock the first 11 no deposit free spins, which are for use on slot game King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas 4.

Customers must then deposit and play £20 to claim the further 100 free spins. Once wagering is complete 100 free spins are available, with customers able to use them on the King Kong slot game.

Free spins are available for seven days, with all winnings capped at £100.

These are the key factors that The Independent considers before recommending online casino bonus offers.

Licensing: We only recommend casino bonuses from online casinos licensed and regulated by the UKGC.

Wagering requirements: To crack our top 10 we want to see no wagering requirements or as little as possible. We prefer to see operators that allow customers to withdraw funds without having to play through their winnings.

Value: Value is paramount when assessing any casino bonus. We look for casino sign up bonus deals that ensure customers get the most from their money.

Games: Most casino sites have restrictions where casino bonuses can be used on their platform. The fewer the better in our book so we recommend the ones with the most flexibility.

Payment Methods: Deposits should be straightforward, allowing customers access to their casino bonus and casino games. Traditional and modern methods should be available, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. Notably, pre-paid cards are not widely accepted for casino sign up offers.

Customer experience: Customers need to have an enjoyable and fair experience online. Methods of support should be available including live chat, phone line and email to address issues.

The Independent offers expertise and impartial advice when evaluating and reviewing casino bonuses.

I am a freelance sports journalist and casino expert who has been working for The Independent since 2023.

I specialise in producing sporting news, predictions and betting tips as well as review features that cover online gaming, casinos and betting sites.

I have built up considerable experience reviewing gambling content having spent a significant amount of time researching and testing out established online casinos and new casino sites, enhancing his expertise.

I have also developed a keen eye for casino offers and user-friendly websites, and has evaluated each bonus using the criteria detailed above, while only recommending UKGC-licensed operators.

Casino Welcome Bonus – A casino sign up offer credits new customers with casino funds, free spins or both after signing up as a new user.

Matched deposit bonuses – Casino sites can credit customers with a matched deposit either as a new customer or as a reward for existing customers.

Cashback – Casino sites offer cashback on deposits or losses depending on the style of promotion after playing on eligible games or tournaments.

Free spins – Free spins often make up parts of a casino welcome bonus, giving customers access to online slots without having to use their own funds. Existing customers can occasionally secure free spins for regular use of casino sites.

Referral – Casino apps sometimes reward users that refer friends to their casino sites with bonuses, including bonus funds and free spins. Unibet is a prime example of this.

Gambling responsibly is essential whenever you engage with the best casino bonuses.

All customers should set well-measured boundaries, including an appropriate predetermined budget, whether you’re playing on new slot sites, poker sites, bingo sites or any other form of gambling.

Under UKGC licensing requirements all online casinos must create an entertaining and trustworthy environment.

Gambling sites must ensure there are responsible gambling tools in place to support users, such as deposit limits, loss limits, time-outs and self-exclusion.

If you feel as though you are not or have not been able to put these boundaries in place, please seek help from one of the below charities and healthcare providers.

What is a casino bonus?

A casino bonus provides new and existing customers with bonus funds or free spins to use on casino sites. This means users can play games without users having to use their own cash. These credits are non-withdrawable and must be used online.

What are wagering requirements?

Wagering requirements are requirements where winnings must be wagered a certain amount of times before they can be withdrawn. These are used to prevent new users winning significant amounts of money using free bet offers.

What casino bonuses are the best?

The ‘best’ casino sign up bonus very much depends on the type of gambling you prefer to do. Some bonuses will offer free spins that are perfect for slot players, while others will provide bonuses that are better for table games. Be sure to evaluate each offer before choosing the best casino sign up offer for you.

Are casino sign up offers safe to use?

All the online casino bonus deals recommended on this page come from online casino bonus sites that are licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, ensuring that operators follow safe and legal practices.

How can you claim casino offers?

Users can claim casino welcome offers by signing up and depositing and staking the required amounts. In terms of offers for existing customers, users will often be required to opt in or stake a pre-determined amount in order to qualify.

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