To Planet Glue, that far-flung place where life-forms with exalted titles discuss a project to repair the Palace of Westminster.
It could cost £39billion and will not start until 2032 at the earliest. Some officials have already toiled on it for 14 years.
In that time they have developed their own language, burrowing so far into the bureaucratic subsoil that normal bodily functions have withered.
The blind cusk eel swims at such dark depths that its eyes no longer work.
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Likewise, officials attached to parliamentary ‘R&R’ (restoration and renewal) have lost all sense of scepticism about costs. Yesterday’s event was a meeting of the public accounts committee, one of Parliament’s better outfits.
What a feast R&R has become for officials and prospective contractors. For more than a decade the Establishment has accepted that the palace needs a fortune spending on its crumbling towers and tangled pipes; as the years pass it becomes hard to remember how many billions of pounds are involved.
Thus the figures rise, like the girl in the old Nimble bread adverts, and no one complains.
Before the committee sat two of the project’s current managers: Charlotte Simmonds, ‘managing director at R&R client team’ and ‘senior responsible officer’, plus Russ MacMillan, ‘chief executive of the R&R delivery authority’. What curlicues to flourish on LinkedIn!
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Charlotte Simmonds, ‘managing director at R&R client team’ and ‘senior responsible officer’. What curlicues to flourish on LinkedIn, writes Quentin Letts
Charlotte and Russ – the committee uses Christian names, please – both spoke the lingo: resilience, full decant, EMI (enhanced maintenance and improvement), strategic estates, design maturity, next levels, retiring the risks, consent groups, iterate, sub-boards, external dependencies, mitigations, moving into delivery, upticks, following due process, granular level, delegation levels, escalating up to the clerks, triangulation, scenario planning and, naturally, best practice.
Charlotte did a lot of hand-waving. She may have thought this helped to convey a sense of executive purpose. To me it simply suggested a bluffer. They had come to try to frighten the MPs into approving phase one of the works, which would be capped at £3billion. Peanuts! If parliamentarians did not agree to this by the end of the year there was going to be terrible trouble. Things were going to become more expensive, just you see.
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Holiday companies use a similar tactic when you start booking a trip and the message flashes up, ‘only two rooms left at this price’. You panic and press the button and wrongly think you have bagged a bargain.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Con, N Cotswolds), 73, who chairs the committee and who is a chartered surveyor, was curious how the £3billion figure for phase one had been reached.
Charlotte rattled through some of the costings: £320million on designers, £90million on surveys, £70million on a temporary jetty on the Thames, £328million for storing ‘heritage works’, by which she meant either oil paintings or perhaps Sir Geoffrey himself. Just clearing the scaffolding and clutter from the palace’s current spine road was going to cost £30million. These were astonishing sums, produced almost with pride.
Planning permission alone was going to take a year. Nothing moves slowly in officialdom, you see. The longer they delay, the longer their class stays in a job.
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Catherine McKinnell (Lab, Newcastle N) suggested that it all sounded rather vague. ‘There’s lots of potential for elasticity in there.’ Russ’s eyes bulged, not so much in indignation, I think, as surprise. It was as if no one had ever put such a point to him. Sarah Hall (Lab, Warrington S) expressed mild doubt about the supervision of costs. Charlotte, with a wave of the hand: ‘It would obviously be profiled.’ Eh?
‘Experts’ were invoked a lot. ‘We draw in independent experts,’ yacked Charlotte. ‘We have also utilised consultancy support.’ Now the prices perhaps started to make more sense. She insisted phase one was ‘a really pragmatic way to get momentum on this programme’.
Translation: once MPs have swallowed this initial £3billion there will be no turning back and we can really open the gold taps.
Wales has an ambitious goal: to achieve one million Welsh speakers by 2050. Schools are central to this.
For many children, particularly those who do not speak Welsh at home, school is where they learn the language. But learning Welsh at school is not the same as continuing to use it after leaving. A learner acquires the language, but a speaker has the opportunities and confidence to use it beyond the classroom.
My research explores what happens when young people finish compulsory education at age 16. The evidence points to a recurring problem. Many young people appear to use Welsh less often, feel less confident speaking it, or stop identifying as Welsh speakers altogether once they leave school.
Yet, we still know little about how these changes happen, who experiences them, or why.
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Welsh is taught across Wales, but pupils’ experiences differ greatly. In Welsh-medium schools, Welsh is the main language of teaching. In dual-stream schools, Welsh and English-medium streams work alongside one another. In English-medium schools, Welsh is taught as a subject.
What happens to young people’s Welsh after they leave compulsory education? Uniteam/Shutterstock
These routes do not produce the same outcomes. Welsh-medium education can give pupils strong language skills and opportunities to use Welsh. Pupils in English-medium settings may have less contact with the language and fewer chances to speak it.
Even strong skills at school do not guarantee continued use. At 16, the structures that supported Welsh use can disappear. A young person may enter an English-dominated college, university, apprenticeship or workplace. Their friendship groups may change. They may move away from a Welsh-speaking area. English may become the easier or expected choice.
The evidence
For my study, I reviewed census figures, surveys, qualitative studies and policy reports. Together, these suggested a consistent pattern but also serious limits in what we know.
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The censuses of 2001, 2011, and 2021, all recorded a lower percentage of Welsh speakers among 16 to 19-year-olds than among children aged 5 to 15. This might suggest a decline around the end of compulsory education.
But census figures cannot prove that. They compare different age groups rather than following the same people over time. Parents often answer for children under 16, while older teenagers answer for themselves. The census asks whether someone can speak Welsh, but not how often they use it, how confident they feel, or how strongly they identify as a Welsh speaker.
Research with young people suggests that reduced opportunities, lower confidence and the dominance of English in education or employment may contribute to less frequent Welsh use.
These are clues, but they only tell part of the story. They point to different reasons, without showing which matters most or how young people are affected.
This creates a problem for Welsh language policy. Wales often measures progress by counting how many people say they can speak Welsh. But ability, confidence and use are not the same thing.
A young person may have learned Welsh at school but rarely use it afterwards. They may still understand the language, but feel uncomfortable using it with others. They may value Welsh while still seeing little place for it in their studies, work, or social life.
Such a person has not necessarily lost their Welsh. Their relationship with the language may have changed because circumstances have changed.
This problem is recognised at the highest levels of Welsh language policy. The Welsh language commissioner has identified the need to help young people retain their Welsh-language skills as they move into adulthood. Anna Brychan MS, the new cabinet minister for education and the Welsh language, has similarly warned that too many young people lose touch with Welsh after leaving school.
But recognising this problem is not the same as understanding it. This is not just a gap in research. It is a major problem for Welsh language policy. Without knowing what happens after young people leave school, policymakers cannot tell whether learning Welsh leads to using it in adult life.
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Existing statistics cannot tell us when young people’s relationship with Welsh changes, why this happens, or which interventions would help. Success therefore cannot be measured only by how many pupils leave school able to speak Welsh.
The next step is to follow young people more closely. Experts need to understand why some continue using Welsh, why others do not and what kinds of support make a lasting difference.
The one-million-speaker target cannot be achieved through schools alone. Its success will also depend on whether young people have meaningful reasons, opportunities and confidence to use Welsh throughout their lives.
Forwards coach Dave Butcher will take interim charge and lead Scotland into the WXV Global Series in September and October, when they take on Canada and New Zealand before facing Australia three times.
Fukofuka said: “I’ve had to make probably the hardest professional decision of my life to step away from the role as head coach.
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“I approached Scottish Rugby and asked for a release from my contract under compassionate grounds. Effectively, the stress and the strain on my family, who are back in Australia away from me, proved too much to continue and to do this role the way it should be (done).
“With the time back home in Australia over the summer, it was able to give me a lot more insight into the sacrifices that they’re making, on top of those that I make as well.
“We also had a change in circumstances where, unfortunately, my wife’s parents are unwell, so that means the family relocating in the 12-month plan that we had is not feasible anymore.
“I can’t be away from my family for that amount of time and do the job the way it should be done.”
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The former Australia Women assistant coach and United States Women head coach thanked his employers for understanding his situation.
“There has been an understanding that aside from being a rugby coach, I’m also a father and a husband, and the impact that has on both my family but also on myself,” the 42-year-old added.
“Being here in Scotland has been amazing, I’ve loved every minute of living here and have really appreciated the opportunity, but not having my family with me and being able to share those experiences with them has been really tough.
“Our boys are quite young and are missing out on that support when I’m not there.”
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Scottish Rugby performance director David Nucifora said: “I would like to thank Sione for his contribution to Scottish Rugby and whilst we are disappointed to see him depart, we fully respect and understand the reasons why he has made this decision.
“Our priority remains supporting the women’s national team and women’s programme players and staff during this period, with work being done to ensure appropriate structures are in place ahead of WXV Global Series along with long term recruitment conversations.”
The music and words of two great singers will be celebrated later this year with two very special concerts that will be lit by candlelight. ‘The Music of Phil Collins and Genesis: The Candlelight Concert’ is taking place at Chichester Cathedral on Thursday, 8 October and will see singers and a band perform the many songs from Phil’s vast solo career along with his work as singer with the band Genesis. Phil really is one our musical national treasures, so it is sure to be a fabulous evening in the historic and atmospheric surroundings of Chichester Cathedral.
Ukraine has unleashed what is believed to be its most intense bombing campaign of the war, setting fires across Russia and blowing up a drone factory last night.
A total of 1,165 drones, bombs and missiles were downed or destroyed by Putin‘s forces.
In Belgorod, just 20 miles from Russia’s border with Ukraine, a drone factory was targeted by drones.
Footage shared online showed the factory being blown up. A woman was heard saying: ‘Everything’s on fire there, everything. It’s a disaster, that’s where they make drones and teach you how to fly them. It’s ****ed, it’s all blown up.’
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In attacks on Ukraine’s best day of the war striking Russia, he lost two major oil refineries Saratov and Ufa, and a Wildberries base at Novosemeykino in Samara region, while also facing attacks on the Engels-2 airbase, home to his strategic bomber aircraft.
Fuel trucks heading to Russia-controlled Crimea were also hit.
Also among the targets of the strikes was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries in the Vladimir region, about 112 miles east of Moscow.
‘A fire broke out at one of the company’s logistics sites in the Vladimir region following an attack,’ Wildberries said in a statement, adding that warehouse staff had been evacuated.
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Regional governor Alexander Avdeyev said the attack on the warehouse owned by ‘Russia’s Amazon’ was carried out by drones.
Ukrainian drones struck fuel trucks heading to Crimea
Among the targets of the strikes was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries in the Vladimir region
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‘There is damage and a fire,’ he posted on the Russian messaging app Max, adding that ‘a young man was injured’.
Since mid-July, Ukraine has struck around 20 sites belonging to Wildberries across various parts of Russia and in annexed Crimea.
The initial attacks on the night of July 17-18 left eight people dead and nearly 90 wounded at sites in the Moscow and Tambov regions.
Since then, Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted sites near Saint Petersburg, in Simferopol in Crimea, in Krasnodar and Volgograd, and in Samara.
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Wildberries is a highly popular online retail platform in Russia, often dubbed the ‘Russian Amazon’.
The attacks on its warehouses are part of a campaign of long-range Ukrainian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Russia, which has been waging a large-scale offensive in Ukraine since February 2022.
Kyiv says the aim is to force the Kremlin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Russia said this morning that it was stepping up protection of ships in the Azov-Black Sea basin while also developing alternative cargo routes, in a move that follows a sharp escalation of attacks at sea by both sides in the war in Ukraine.
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The Russian transport ministry said that in response to ‘the tense situation in the Sea of Azov stemming from hostile drone attacks on maritime vessels’, it had set up a task force to find new routes and switch cargo flows to other modes of transport.
‘A number of stevedoring companies have already expressed their readiness to handle additional cargo volumes and accelerate shipment rates at their terminals, within the limits of their operational capabilities,’ it said in a statement.
Together with the defence ministry, ‘additional measures are being implemented to ensure navigational safety and to protect maritime vessels in the Azov-Black Sea basin’.
A burned car is seen after a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
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A local woman reacts at the site of a Russian attack on a residential area in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, August 2 2026
Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, and Ukraine, also a major agricultural exporter, have been attacking each other’s agricultural export facilities and commercial vessels in the Black Sea area in recent weeks, driving wheat prices higher on global markets.
Russia’s main grain lobby group warned on Friday that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports could shut down grain exports via the Black Sea in the near future, pushing up prices and causing hunger in Africa and the Middle East.
Ukraine’s largest farming union, Ukrainian Agrarian Council, has also warned in recent weeks that Russian strikes on shipping near the southern port of Odesa were restricting Ukrainian exports in the key harvest period and could affect global food supplies.
Benfica striker Franjo Ivanovic is close to joining Hull City, according to Record.
Talks have progressed over the terms of a deal that will likely see the Croatia forward join initially on loan.
(Getty)
Mike Jones3 August 2026 12:12
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Manchester United consider intriguing move for Arsenal defender
The Old Trafford hierarchy have long-standing interest in the Lewis-Skelly and are aiming to see whether Arsenal would do business, given the English champions’ plan to spend big over the next few weeks.
Miguel Delaney3 August 2026 12:00
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Juventus turn to Gugleilmo Vicario after ending Emi Martinez pursuit
Juventus have ended their pursuit of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, according to Fabrizio Romano, following a reported gap in valuation.
It means the club are now exploring a loan deal for out-of-favour Tottenham stopper Guglielmo Vicario, per Sky in Italy.
Juventus had also explored the conditions of a deal for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and costs could be prohibitive.
(PA)
Mike Jones3 August 2026 11:49
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Spurs interested in Gakpo
Sticking with Tottenham, Spurs are interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo with Roberto de Zerbi wanting another wide attacker.
Liverpool will not let Gakpo leave without a replacement lined up so there is work to be done on that front.
Gakpo also has four years remaining on his deal with the Reds meaning Tottenham would need to spend on a potentially high transfer fee.
(Getty)
Mike Jones3 August 2026 11:38
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Romero gathering interest
Cristian Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer and there are reports of interest in the defender from Italy and Spain.
Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan both remain interested in Tottenham’s captain.
It was only a year ago that Romero signed a new deal and was made captain of the club but a summer exit would not be a surprise.
Mike Jones3 August 2026 11:26
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Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore set for another loan
Tottenham’s highly-rated young attacker Mikey Moore is poised for a loan move away from the club, with German side Koln currently leading the race for his signature.
The decision comes despite the 18-year-old’s promising pre-season performances under manager Roberto De Zerbi, as all parties agree another temporary spell elsewhere would best serve the versatile forward’s development.
Mike Jones3 August 2026 11:09
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Should Harry Maguire move on?
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha says it might be time for the centre-back to leave the club.
“It’s time to consider if Harry Maguire should move on,” Saha said.
“I always come back to those moments where his career was under a lot of pressure, critics were coming from left, right, and center internationally.
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“He has done really well to still be in that conversation. He’s still a leader and a real asset, able to help us get back into the Champions League as an experienced player. I can still see him having a massive role.
“But in a personal way, looking for another challenge at the end of his career is something I can imagine as well. I do think United is still looking for a centre-back.
“We have difficulty having centre-backs that aren’t injured. We need that.
“Look at Arsenal, William Saliba is extremely important, and when he missed a few games, they missed out on winning the title because he wasn’t there. This year he’s been a rock.
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“United needs a rock-solid defence. We need someone who can play three-quarters of the games and help youngsters like (Ayden) Heaven and (Leny) Yoro get better at leadership.”
(Getty)
Mike Jones3 August 2026 10:55
Roberto De Zerbi unsure over Richarlison future
Roberto De Zerbi says he is unsure if Richarlison wants to stay at Tottenham.
“I don’t know because I like him as a player and as a guy,” De Zerbi said.
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“He’s unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.”
When pressed on whether Richarlison wants to leave, he added: “I don’t know. I didn’t understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He’s a lovely guy.”
(Getty)
Mike Jones3 August 2026 10:43
Wales becomes first nation to withdraw support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino
The decision follows his controversial, bungled attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
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Mike Jones3 August 2026 10:30
New Newcastle signing has his say
Lukas Hornicek has been speaking about his transfer to Newcastle and what the move means to him.
The Czech international revealed: “The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I’m so happy to be here.
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“It’s a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I’m very excited about.
“From the very first moment I arrived here, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club. Everyone has been brilliant in helping me settle in.
“I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St. James’ Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game. I can’t wait to play in front of them.”
Wildfires have forced around 60,000 people to evacuate parts of Washington state, destroying hundreds of buildings and leaving thousands without power.
Three major blazes continued to burn around the city of Spokane on Monday, with officials warning that the fires had not been contained.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the situation as “the worst natural disaster our region has faced”, adding that authorities were assessing the extent of the damage and were “still discussing the potential for lives to be lost”.
No deaths or injuries have been confirmed.
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The fires in Spokane are among a total number more than a dozen wildfires in the state including 10 large ones, according to the dashboard, external on the state’s department of natural resources.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had warned of “extremely critical” fire weather over the weekend, with strong winds and unusually dry conditions helping the flames spread rapidly.
Scientists have said that human-induced climate change makes the warm, dry conditions that lead to wildfires more likely – as well as leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, and potential summer droughts.
Betting sign up offers and free bets are available from UKGC-licensed betting sites for signing up and betting online on sporting events throughout the year, including football, horse racing, boxing, darts, tennis and many more.
At The Independent, our experts have used their impartial and detailed analysis to find new and existing customers the best betting sign up offers and free bets available.
We have stringent criteria when it comes to picking our top betting offers available. Our experts focus on accessibility, flexibility, fairness, key terms and conditions and regularity when selecting the best options out there.
Every betting site that we recommend is licensed and regulated by United Kingdom Gambling Commission, ensuring that new and existing customers are using a reputable betting operator.
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Free bets can be claimed from betting sites by new and existing customers, allowing bettors to bet without risking their own money.
Terms and conditions are attached to free bets and betting offers. Usually, bettors must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to claim a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.
Wagering requirements can be attached to free bet offers, which means winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw funds as cash, but this is more common on online casinos.
Bet & Get: The most common betting sign-up offer, bet a minimum amount, meet the T&Cs and receive a free bet bonus.
Moneyback specials: Typically an ongoing free bet promo, whereby punters get their money back as a free bet if there’s an underwhelming outcome such as a 0-0 draw.
Free bet clubs: Loyalty reward schemes aimed at those who bet regularly with one bookmaker in particular.
Enhanced odds with free bet winnings: A bookmaker offers a wildly inflated price on a popular market, such as 40/1 on Man City to win, with winnings paid out as free bets.
No deposit free bets: These are rare, but can be obtained via free-to-play prediction games on several online bookmakers.
Free bets are straightforward to use for customers, although the way they can be deployed may differ depending on your chosen bookmaker.
Usually, betting sites will have a box or toggle on your bet slip that users can tick or move to confirm free bets on their bet.
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An important note. If your bet wins, you only keep the profit, the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.
Bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.
Bet365: The Hundred Bet Builder Boost
Bet365 are offering customers a chance to claim a 25 per cent bet builder boost for betting on The Hundred today.
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To secure the betting offer, customers must place a bet builder on The Hundred game of the day with three legs or more and odds of evens or greater using the ‘Winnings Boost’ toggle on the bet slip to confirm the promo.
If the bet wins, customers receive a 25 per cent boost on top of their original odds.
William Hill: Scottish Premiership Epic Boost
The Scottish Premiership continues its comeback weekend and William Hill are offering an Epic Boost for Celtic’s opener against Dundee.
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Hills are offering an Epic Boost price for Celtic to score in both halves of evens boosted from 8/13 for wagers placed before the start of the game on the Epic Boost market.
If Celtic score in both halves, customers receive a payout at the Epic Boost price. Customers are limited to a maximum £10 stake with this promo.
BOYLE Sports: Celtic vs Dundee Bet Builder Boost
BOYLE Sports are offering a bet builder boost worth 50 per cent for qualifying bets placed on Celtic vs Dundee in the Scottish Premiership tonight.
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To qualify for the bet builder boost, customers must place a qualifying bet builder with odds of 3/1 or greater using the ‘Boost’ toggle on the bet slip before kick-off at 7.30pm BST.
If the bet wins, customers will receive a payout at the enhanced boost price.
Bet365: Celtic vs Dundee Bet Builder Boost
Bet365 are offering a bet builder boost worth 25 per cent for qualifying bets placed on Celtic vs Dundee in the Scottish Premiership tonight.
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To qualify for the bet builder boost, customers must place a qualifying bet builder with three selections or more with odds of evens or greater using the ‘Winning Boost’ toggle on the bet slip before kick-off at 7.30pm BST.
If the bet wins, customers will receive a payout at the enhanced boost price.
Betting Site
Offer Type
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Min. Bet
Free Bet Value
Best For
Sky Bet
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Welcome bonus
5p
£30
Low-stake sign up value
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Betano
Welcome bonus
£10
£50
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Football free bets
Tote
Welcome bonus
£5
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£20
Horse racing free bets
Bet365
Moneyback special
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£10
£10
Ongoing money-back as free bet offers
Virgin Bet
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Free Bet Club
£20
£5 weekly
Ongoing rewards for regular bettors
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Find the best free bet offers using The Independent’s value chart (The Independent)
Here are the standout betting offers on the market for users broken down into strength of category.
Sky Bet – Best low-stake betting sign up offer
Sky Bet provide best low stake betting sign up offer for new customers offering users the chance to bet as little as 5p to secure the welcome bonus worth £30 in free bets to use anywhere on the betting site.
Sky Bet offers customers the complete range of its sportsbook to place their qualifying bet. The odds requirement of evens are higher than some of its rivals, but the 5p stake more than makes up for this with a relative low risk compared with others.
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Once the qualifying bet settles, Sky Bet pays out your free bets within 24 hours. This can take as little as a matter of hours with Sky offering one of the fastest payouts among online betting sites.
Sky credits your free bets as 3 x £10 free bet tokens to use on the sportsbook. The free bet tokens are slightly more restrictive than other operators that allow users to split their bonus entirely on their choosing, but there are no restrictions where users can place their free bets in terms of sports or markets.
There’s also plenty of time to use the Sky Bet welcome offer, with up to 30 days to use the free bet balance before it expires. For first-time bettors it’s a perfect betting sign up offer for optimum value, needing only 5p to qualify.
Betano – Best football betting sign up offer
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Betano is the best option for punters looking for free bets at leading football bookmakers, with the Betano sign up offer providing £50 in free bets with an initial wager of just £10 (an excellent return for a low entry stake).
The offer includes a straightforward qualifying bet with minimum odds of evens and no accumulator required, while the 30-day expiry on free bets gives users flexibility, with plenty of time to use bonuses.
Newcomers can get £50 in free bets after an initial £10 bet (iStock/The Independent)
This new betting site provides great variety on its football markets – from match odds and BTTS to goalscorers, correct scores and much more – and users will also find regular offers and promotions once signed up to the site.
Tote – Best for horse racing free bets
The Tote betting sign up offer is an excellent choice for horse racing fans, with a £5 bet returning £20 in racing value – a strong 4x reward for such a low qualifying stake.
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The offer provides £10 in Tote Credit for horse racing – which is ideal for pools, exotics, and Tote-only markets – as well as £10 in free bets to use on the sportsbook, offering plenty of flexibility for new customers.
The qualifying bet simply need to be a £5 bet on any sport (with some exclusions, though win, place, or pool bets all count) at odds of evens or greater, and winnings are fully withdrawable, with Tote Credit profits available to be cashed out, keeping risk low.
Tote also guarantee boosts payouts paid at SP or better, adding an extra upside for horse racing bettors and making Tote the best choice among horse racing betting sites.
Bet365 – Best for moneyback as a free bet
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Bet365 have recently launched its moneyback specials across a number of sports, including football and horse racing, as well as a range of major events.
Customers can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets if their bet fails. The system is simple for claiming the betting offer, with users ticking the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on their bet slip to qualify.
Free bets are usually credited within a matter of hours, but it can take up to 24 hours. Free bet credits can be used anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business with no limit on where and how your credits can be spent.
Bet365 customers can get up to £10 back as a free bet on losing racing and football bets (iStock/The Independent)
Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the highlight games of the week are covered with a moneyback special notably on Saturday and Sunday evenings, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured this betting offer.
The nuts and bolts of the requirements are as follows. Customers must place a qualifying bet builder on the eligible game or event, with bet builders needing only evens (2.0) or higher odds.
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Bet365 also attaches its Sub Play On feature on football bet builders in conjunction with the moneyback special, which keeps bets alive even if a player is subbed.
Virgin Bet – Best free bet club
Existing customers can use the weekly Virgin Bet rewards club to claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas.
Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday, making these qualifying stakes smaller than most rival free bet clubs.
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Virgin Bet have an extremely low minimum odds requirement to use your free bet at 1/100.
Claim £5 in free bets for placing qualifying accas on Virgin Bet (iStock/The Independent)
You’re spoiled for choice, and better yet, there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.
In addition, the seven-day expiry gives plenty of time to use the bonus, meaning the free bet club offers huge flexibility.
After the qualifying bets have settled, Virgin Bet pays out the £5 free acca bet into your account and to activate the free bet offer, simply use the toggle on your bet slip to use up the credits.
Below, we’ve provided some detail on common traps that users can fall into when claiming free bets:
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Stake not returned on free bets
Not all free bet offers return the original stake if your bet wins. For example, a £10 free bet at 3/1 pays £30 profit, not £40; always factor this in when comparing headline free bet amounts.
Short expiry windows
Free bets usually expire within 5-7 days of being credited, and occasionally less. Unused free bets are removed automatically once they expire, so casual or infrequent bettors can lose value this way.
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Remember to always check the expiry date as soon as the free bet is added.
Bet builder or market restrictions
Some free bets are limited to certain types of use. For example, some are football bet builders only, accumulator bets or bets fixed to specific sports, leagues or events. These restrictions reduce flexibility and can increase risk.
Bet builder-only free bets often require multiple selections to win, meaning long odds, and it is the same with accas. Remember to check eligible markets before placing your qualifying bet.
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Minimum odds requirements
Betting offers may require minimum odds on either the qualifying bet or the free bet itself, and sometimes both. Higher odds thresholds can push bettors toward riskier selections, while a smaller free bet with low odds requirements can offer better value.
Cash-Out and In-Play exclusions
Remember that cashing out a qualifying bet often voids eligibility for the offer. Some free bets also cannot be used on in-play markets.
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These exclusions are commonly hidden in the T&Cs, so avoid cashing out unless you’re sure it won’t affect the promotion.
Wagering requirements and bonus conditions
Wagering is uncommon on free bets, but it is not unheard of. Some promotions attach extra conditions to winnings or follow-on bonuses instead.
Offers requiring winnings to be wagered multiple times reduce real value, while simpler “bet and get” free bets are usually the safest option.
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Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.
1. Licensing
Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.
The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA. If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.
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2. Security
Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.
3. Reputation
Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred, William Hill and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.
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4. Mobile
With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.
Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.
5. Experience
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The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.
Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers, but we also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and available payment methods.
6. Value
Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings.
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Why trust us?
Chris Wilson is a betting content producer and sports reporter who has been working at The Independent since 2023.
He writes betting tips across a range of sporting events as well as reviewing dozens of betting sites and casino sites across the UK.
Chris has extensively tested and reviewed offers from established operators and new betting sites to find the best free bet offers for readers of The Independent.
Responsible gambling is always at the forefront of his research, ensuring customers have a fair and secure experience claiming and using betting offers online.
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If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.
When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose. Even free bets still involve a level of risk.
Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.
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If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:
We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
A person was seriously injured after a crash in a Cambridgeshire suburb. Cambridgeshire Police were called to the A15 at Hampton Vale, Peterborough, on Saturday (August 1) at around 1pm.
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A crash took place between a car and a motorcyclist. A police spokesperson said: “We were called at about 1pm on Saturday with reports of a collision between a car and a motorcyclist on the A15 at Hampton Vale.
“One person was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests and the London Road carriageway was reopened just after 2pm.”
The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for further information.
The popular volunteer-run event featured more than 300 classes, more than 120 trophies and over £6,000 in trophies.
All went well, but the dry conditions meant the cancellation of the showjumping and it was said the weather was too warm for the expected visit of the giant tortoises.
Large crowds were present, with organisers saying the turnout was similar to the well-attended 7,000 of last year, though a more accurate count is not yet available.
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John Revis and wife, Phil Tottie, Lisa and Paul Chasney (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Traders were happy when the Press saw them in the morning, though they admitted it was early days.
Among them Tara Gavin and Sheri Dignan of The Curious Confectionary of Doncaster, who were enjoying their first visit to the Tockwith show.
Tara said: “Other people we know have attended and they told us about it. The show makes for a lovely day out. It’s too soon to say how we are doing. It’s been steady this morning. I think people are having a look around first.”
Michael Broadbent and his 1967 Austin A35 van (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Anthony Barnett of the Little Fudge Company of Doncaster was back after several years away.
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He said: “Business is always an afternoon thing but it’s a good show, you can’t really fault it. I came 4-5 years ago when it was really muddy. We did quite well.”
Anthony Barnett of the Little Fudge Company (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Tockwith Show is noted for its extensive vehicle displays.
Mark Denton of nearby Cowthorpe was polishing his steam engine. Mark tries to get out with his steam engine about four times a year and has done several pub runs with it, including Thorpe Arch, Walton and Tockwith.
He added: “This is my first time showing my steam engine here, even though I have lived here for years and years. There’s a good turnout, a good crowd. There’s lots of stuff to see, plenty of variety.”
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Michael Broadbent of Barnsley was proudly showing off his white 1967 Austin A35 van, which he bought in May 2025.
Tara Gavin and Sheri Dignan of the Curious Confectionary. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Michael said: “It’s had a full-bore metal respray, new disk breaks back and front, new wheel and an engine overhaul. It did come out of the factory this good.”
“This is my first season with the van though I was part of the Rolls Royce display last year.”
In the Discovery Zone Rachel Muir of Pocklington’s The Purple Pig Company was showing children how to feed her baby pygmy goats.
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She said: “It’s a really lovely show, with a wonderful atmosphere.
Martin Denton of Cowthorpe with his steam engine (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Rachel added she is a regular at farm shows with the mobile farm, but most of her work is visiting schools.
The main sponsor this year is Tockwith-based Revis Transport.
The company’s John Revis said his business was supporting the show as it is a great community event, adding he’s been attending it for 35 years.
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He added: “It’s a great, little show. We do not like blowing our own trumpet, but we will blow the show’s trumpet as much as we can.”
Rachel Muir and her pygmy goats (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Show chairman Phil Tottie said the show went very well and the society that runs the show were “very pleased with the great turnout.”
Final figures have year to be assessed but they are expected to be similar to last year.
Phil said today (Monday) the children’s mascot race proved popular, as did all the events in the main ring.
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“I can’t single anything out. There were loads of attractions.”
“We are currently taking things down. The field will return to normal and after a few days rest we will start preparing for next year, which will be on Sunday August 1.”
Did you go to Tockwith Show? What did you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Police and paramedics were called to an altercation on St Vincent Road in on July 18
A woman died from a stab wound after a violent altercation in Newport, an inquest opening heard.
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Charlene Dowsell, 41, from Maesglas in Newport, died from a stab wound after police and paramedics were called to an altercation on St Vincent Road at around 1.30am on July 18.
Gwent Coroner’s Court heard on Monday that police had received a call alerting them to a man and woman fighting, with the woman bleeding.
Emergency services attended but despite first aid attempts Ms Dowsell was pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner Rose Farmer told the court that an inquest is being opened due to it being a violent death.
A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter and a provisional cause of death has been given as a stab wound to the left back, involving lower lobe of left lung, left hemi diaphragm, stomach and left lobe of liver.
A man has been charged with murder in connection with the incident. Albert Williams, 66, has been remanded into custody.
The inquest will resume on a date to be confirmed pending the completion of criminal proceedings.
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In the days following her death, Ms Dowsell was remembered by her family as a “beautiful daughter and mum”.
The family’s statement reads: “To our beautiful daughter Charlene, mum of four beautiful children. They say time will heal, but time will never change how we as a family feel.
“You’re so loved by everyone that really knew you. You have left us broken hearted – we are all in shock. We don’t know what to do but we are finding comfort in memories we have of you. You did not deserve what you went through our girl.
“Losing our daughter at such a young age, she was the foundation to our family and without her it’s difficult to know what to do and what comes next. Four children without a mum is just heartbreaking.
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“Gone are the days we used to share but in my heart you will always be there. You’re at peace now our beautiful girl. Gone but never forgotten.”
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