Crisis-hit Croydon Council needs short, sharp reset minister says
A "short and sharp reset" is required for Croydon Council to recover from poor performance and high debt levels, the minister for housing, communities and local government has announced.Jim McMahon has told the House of Commons the council's financial position is "deteriorating rapidly" after a report highlighted concerns about its ability to improve. McMahon said that failing to change course "would condemn Croydon's residents to a worsening position without an exit strategy" and he was "minded to" send in commissioners to run the council.Executive mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said he and the council "had done everything possible" to fix the finances "whilst protecting vital services".
Perry added: "We have generated over £230m in capital receipts, including £130m of asset sales and have plans to sell a further £68m assets this year. "The council also raised council tax by 10% over the cap in 2023, to help meet the panel's demand that we close the gap in the council's finances."The council had been under review by the government's improvement and assurance panel, set up to provide external advice, challenge and expertise.
McMahon said the council's general fund debt sits at around £1.4bn and it relies on the allocation of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) through in-principle capitalisation directions to balance its budget.The panel's report has said there has been a lack of pace throughout the intervention, but the deteriorating financial position, which is not being gripped and tackled adequately by the council, is reaching a "financial crisis".McMahon added: "I am satisfied that the London Borough of Croydon is failing to comply with its Best Value Duty. I am therefore minded to exercise powers of direction under section 15(5) and 15(6) of the Local Government Act 1999 to implement an intervention package."
Perry said, via a statement: "If at any time the panel or government felt that there was any action the council should be taking and was not, they had the power to instruct us. They never did."Surely that means we are doing everything possible, and they agree with our actions? We have already made very difficult decisions and in my view the residents of Croydon have felt enough pain."Despite all the improvements that have been delivered by the council and its staff, it appears the government wants to centralise control into the hands of commissioners."He said the council would consider all options before submitting its formal response to the government, the deadline for which is 25 June.
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20 minutes ago
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Moment protest chaos erupts as group behind RAF Brize Norton raid to be ‘BANNED like terror organisation'
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The Sun
21 minutes ago
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Best UFC betting sites in the UK – Top UFC bookies ranked (2025)
THE UFC has exploded in popularity across the UK in recent years, quickly becoming one of the most-watched combat sports alongside boxing. Major UFC events now attract millions of UK viewers via platforms like TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), while live shows at The O2 Arena often sell out within hours. With British champions like Leon Edwards making waves on the global stage, interest in MMA and MMA betting has never been higher. If you're itching to get in on the action, this article highlights some of the best UFC betting sites in the UK for 2025. Our top 10 sites for UFC betting 🔎 How we ranked our best UFC betting sites As with all of our reviews, the core system we base our evaluation on is our editorial framework, the " Sun Factor." And while we mostly looked for bookies with good odds and a good variety of UFC markets, there are other factors in play too, such as ease of use and the quality of the customer support. Here's a breakdown of everything we assessed: 🥊 Number of UFC betting markets When choosing the best UFC betting sites, one major factor is the range of UFC betting markets available. The top sportsbooks don't just stick to picking the winner: they offer a wide selection of betting options: method of victory (KO, submission, decision), round betting, to-go-the-distance markets, and more. A greater number of markets gives bettors more ways to bet, opening new ways to capitalise on each fight night. 🤑 Promotions & bonuses One reason many UK customers prefer certain betting sites for UFC is the availability of fight-specific promotions. The best UFC betting sites run bonuses tied to major events, like boosted odds, free bets, or parlay insurance. These offers often pop up ahead of pay-per-view bouts, making them a smart way to maximise your stakes. And although UFC-specific promos are rare, many sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses and VIP promotions that can be used across all sports, including on UFC fights. 💰 Best odds for UFC matches To get the most value from your bets, it's vital to compare odds across different UFC betting sites. The best betting sites consistently offer competitive lines, whether you're backing a favourite or hunting value on an underdog. Even marginally better odds can mean much bigger winnings, especially when placing large stakes or building a fight night parlay across several matches. 🗓️ Betting experience A great UFC betting experience starts with an easy-to-use site or app. The top online betting platforms have well-designed sites and intuitive apps that work across a variety of devices, making it easy to find the UFC betting markets you're after. After all, being able to quickly place a wager, especially during in-play betting, can make all the difference in quick-paced events like UFC fights. 💳 Payment methods The best betting sites support a wide range of options for deposits and withdrawals, including PayPal, debit cards, Skrill, and Neteller. They also provide hassle-free payment methods and process withdrawals quickly and securely, ensuring you don't have to wait long for your winnings. 📞 Customer support Whether it's a payment issue or a question about a bet, quick and effective customer service is key to a good online betting experience. Good betting sites provide24/7 support through live chat, email, or even phone, and detailed FAQ sections answering all typical customer questions. The best ones go a step further and offer their customer insights into upcoming matches and tips for events and promotions to look out for. An in-depth look at our favourite UFC betting sites 1. bet365 bet365 is one of the biggest names in the British betting world over the past two decades, and rightly so. From the quality and quantity of its game streaming and in-play betting options to generous promotions for both new and existing players, there's a lot to like here. As boxing lovers can attest, bet365 has a fantastic selection of markets for fighting fans. bet365 covers both major MMA events like UFC and UFC Fight Night, and smaller ones like Oktagon and ARES FC. Markets depend on the event, but you can expect everything from Fight Lines (winner) and Method of Victory to Strikes Landed and even combo bets like Method and Round. 2. Betfred Betfred is a truly legendary bookie in the UK, having started modestly as a single betting shop in Ordsall, Salford, in 1967. Although it has mostly made its name on excellent odds and acca deals for football fans, it has long since expanded into other betting markets, including boxing and MMA. All major events like UFC Fight Night and typical markets such as Round Betting are available, and you can even combine several matches into acca bets or keep up with the latest news and get custom tips and predictions on a dedicated UFC Betting Tips page on Betfred's Betfred Insights blog. 3. Coral Coral is a well-known site among UK punters, and its sportsbook offers solid coverage of UFC events. You can bet on all the key markets like Fight Betting (moneyline) and Method of Victory, or try to guess the total number of rounds. A standout feature is #YourCall, which lets you create your own custom UFC bets by tweeting @Coral. If accepted, you'll get informed about your odds and possibly be featured on the site's #YourCall page. 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The operator has a smooth, responsive site and a well-designed app that both support numerous pre-match and in-play betting options. Although the site's excellent Bet Builder is only available for football, NBA, and NFL matches, you can still make acca bets on UFC fights. There's also a section for Popular Bets so new players can get ideas and an occasional Odds Boost for major events such as headline UFC fights. There's a ton of betting markets for UFC too, from classics like predicting the match winner to method of victory & round combos. 6. Betano Betano has a simple recipe for success: make betting easy and give punters highly competitive odds. It has one of the best-designed apps we've tried, with features such as a sliding menu that can be pulled up mid-stream to make your bet. UFC lovers can bet on a variety of markets, from moneyline to guessing whether the fight will go the distance. 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With a history spanning almost 100 years, Tote is a legendary bookie with some of the industry's best offers for this style of betting, including Tote Multiples that offer players the larger of starting price vs Tote dividend. If you don't feel like risking with accas, the Tote Guarantee ensures the final win price on select bets won't be lower than the starting price. MMA fans can bet on all popular UFC events and markets like moneyline and Over/Under bets and handy navigation tools let you pick between UFC fights only or everything that's currently available. 9. CopyBet CopyBet is our favourite pick for new punters and a great place to check out for some expert tipster advice. With the simple act of subscribing to your favourite pro tipsters on the site, you can get easy access to their bet slips, which can be instantly copied into your own selections. This benefits both inexperienced punters and grizzled veterans, the latter getting paid a percentage of winnings, while the former can copy multiple selections from several industry veterans, greatly raising their chances of making winning bets. UFC fans can look forward to over 15 markets, including submission or (T)KO combos, all neatly organised per event. 10. Kwiff Kwiff may not be a household name in the UK yet, but it's definitely a rising star. New players can look forward to sport-agnostic free bet offers not limited to certain payment methods (a rarity in the UK these days!) and great ongoing promos like surprise free bets, 3+ fold acca boosted odds, and more. Our favourite feature is Supercharged Bets, random bet selections across all sports (including UFC) that get boosted odds. The site's well-organised interface lets you see in-play bets, fights within 24 hours, popular competitions, or a calendar of all upcoming fights. There are over 10 betting markets, including all popular ones like Fight Winner and Total Rounds. 🥊 Popular UFC betting markets Betting on UFC and MMA fights is quite similar to boxing bets, so if you're familiar with those, you'll be right at home here. Here's a short list of the most common markets you'll see. Outright winner The most straightforward betting option: just pick which fighter will win the bout. For example, if you wager on an underdog at 3/1 and they score a knockout, your payout is based on those boosted odds, and you'll get triple your wager. This market is available on nearly all UFC betting sites and is a great entry point for new and inexperienced bettors. Over/under number of rounds Here, you predict whether the fight will end before or after a set number of rounds. For example, if two technical fighters with strong defensive styles are matched up, betting on the fight lasting over 5 rounds is usually a good idea. This market is often featured in UFC promotions and specials on major sportsbooks. Method of victory This UFC betting market lets you bet on how the fight will end: by KO, TKO, submission, or decision. For example, backing a grappler to win by submission against a striking-focused opponent is a solid plan, but don't expect the odds to favour you too much, as the bookie knows what to expect, too. Many betting sites boost the odds on these methods around championship fights. Fight to go the distance A variation on the over/under bet, this one simply predicts that the fight will last its full scheduled length, and thereby have the winner decided by a judges' decision. Excellent for those 'boring' matches where both fighters are cautious, but not that uncommon in UFC, considering that matches typically last either three or five rounds, depending on the format, finishing far quicker than your typical boxing match. Most of the UFC markets listed above are often available as in-play bets on most major sportsbooks. This means you can place bets while the fight is happening, adjusting to the action in real time. However, UFC fights are typically much shorter and more fast-paced than boxing, but they can end just as suddenly, especially in lower weight classes or striker-heavy matchups. As a result, in-play betting windows can be narrow, and odds may shift rapidly. Quick decision-making and access to a site with a good live betting interface are essential to making the most of in-play bets for UFC fights. Ones to watch in the UFC From living legends like Jon Jones, who is at 37 still the reigning heavyweight champion with a record-breaking 12 title defences through his career, to up-and-coming fighters like the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and Ilia Topuria, or female UFC flyweight Erin Blanchfield, there are plenty of interesting talents to watch these days. Although most category champions are expectedly dogged veterans like Dricus Du Plessis, Islam Makhachev or Valentina Shevchenko, some slightly younger fighters like Australia's Jack Della Maddalena have managed to snatch titles, too. While all of the UK waits with baited breath for the supposed heavyweight title clash between the reigning and interim champs Jon Jones and our very own Tom Aspinall, there are plenty of exciting upcoming matches in 2025, including Topuria's June 29th clash with veteran Charles Oliveira, and the much-anticipated Du Plessis vs. Chimaev duel on August 16th. 🤝 How to bet on the UFC Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to make bets on UFC matches. Choose a licensed UFC betting site – Pick a bookmaker regulated by the UK Gambling Commission with strong MMA betting coverage. Any of the options in our article are a great starting point. Create an account – Register your account on the site and confirm it by providing some form of national ID, such as your passport or driving license. Make an initial deposit – Before doing anything else, put some money into your account. This is also the step where you'd confirm your welcome promotion if you opted in for one. Find the UFC section – Navigate to the UFC or mixed martial arts page under the list of sports available on the site. Select a fight – Choose an upcoming fight night or championship card to proceed. Pick a market – Common UFC betting markets include choosing the outright winner, method of victory, and over/under rounds. Add your bet to the slip – Click on the odds next to your selection, enter your stake, and confirm (this process may vary a little between sites but the basics are always the same). Claim your winnings – Providing you guessed correctly, all that's left is to see how much you've won and cash out your winnings. 📺 How to follow all things UFC and MMA For UK MMA and UFC fans, staying up to date with the latest fights, odds, and events is easy with the right sources. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) holds the official UFC broadcasting rights in the UK, airing every major card, including fight nights and championship bouts. For news, previews, and betting tips, talkSPORT is a must: check out their dedicated MMA section for expert insights. Other top resources include MMA Junkie, Sherdog, and the UFC's own channels on YouTube and Instagram. Podcasts like The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and Morning Kombat also offer weekly coverage and fighter interviews. 🙋Q&A about the best UFC betting sites 1. Which stats and news stories should I pay attention to when looking to place UFC bets? Focus on each fighter's record, recent wins/losses, method of victory (e.g. knockout, submission), and fighting style. Also, pay close attention to injury news, weight cut issues, and short-notice opponent changes. Stats on takedown accuracy, striking defence, and cardio can also play a role, and the more research you do, the better your predictions will be. 2. How do bookies determine odds for UFC fights? Bookmakers calculate odds using fighter records, previous matchups, public betting trends, and expert analysis. They consider styles, fight history, current form, and even promotion hype. If a fighter is a fan favourite, odds may shorten due to heavy betting (regardless of true probability), making value bets possible for savvy bettors. 3. When is the best time to place UFC bets so that I can get the best possible odds? Early odds often offer more value, especially before public opinion shifts. Lines may tighten closer to fight night as bets roll in. Watching for line movement and placing wagers before weigh-ins or major media coverage can help you lock in the best possible returns on your stake. 4. Which types of UFC bets tend to offer the best potential returns? Markets like method of victory, round betting, and underdog outright wins typically provide the highest odds and payout potential. For example, backing a fighter to win via submission in Round 2 carries more risk but much bigger winnings than a simple moneyline bet. Parlays or accas also boost potential returns, but are much more difficult to pull off. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Daily Mail
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Palestine Action activists blocks streets and clash with police in Trafalgar Square demonstration - as government moves to ban group following RAF base protest
Palestine Action activists have clashed with police during a mass protest in London as the Government moves to proscribe the group under terrorism law. Hundreds of activists waving Palestinian flags and holding placards gathered at Trafalgar Square today. Protesters were seen scuffling with police, with officers forced to drag activists out of the crowds. The Palestine Action protest comes just days after two of its members broke into RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military planes in a stunt condemned by MPs including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has she has decided to proscribe Palestine Action and will lay an order before Parliament next week which, if passed, will make membership and support for the protest group illegal. The proscription of Palestine Action puts the group on a par with Hamas, al-Qaeda or ISIS under British law, banning anyone from promoting the group, arranging meetings or carrying its logo in public. Those breaching the rules could face up to 14 years in jail. The Home Secretary confirmed she is launching the process that will make it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group. She said the government 'will not tolerate those that put that security at risk'. 'I have decided to proscribe Palestine Action under section 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000. A draft proscription order will be laid in Parliament on Monday 30 June. If passed, it will make it illegal to be a member of, or invite support for, Palestine Action. 'This decision is specific to Palestine Action and does not affect lawful protest groups and other organisations campaigning on issues around Palestine or the Middle East. 'The disgraceful attack on Brize Norton in the early hours of the morning on Friday 20 June is the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action.' Ms Cooper added: 'Since its inception in 2020, Palestine Action has orchestrated a nationwide campaign of direct criminal action against businesses and institutions, including key national infrastructure and defence firms that provide services and supplies to support Ukraine, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), 'Five Eyes' allies and the UK defence enterprise. 'Its activity has increased in frequency and severity since the start of 2024 and its methods have become more aggressive, with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence. 'Palestine Action has also broadened its targets from the defence industry to include financial firms, charities, universities and government buildings. Its activities meet the threshold set out in the statutory tests established under the Terrorism Act 2000. 'This has been assessed through a robust evidence-based process, by a wide range of experts from across government, the police and the Security Services.' Ms Cooper said that the group had caused damage 'running into the millions of pounds'. In several attacks, Palestine Action has committed acts of serious damage to property with the aim of progressing its political cause and influencing the Government. These include attacks at Thales in Glasgow in 2022; and last year at Instro Precision in Kent and Elbit Systems UK in Bristol. The seriousness of these attacks includes the extent and nature of damage caused, including to targets affecting UK national security, and the impact on innocent members of the public fleeing for safety and subjected to violence. The extent of damage across these three attacks alone, spreading the length and breadth of the UK, runs into the millions of pounds.
