Private schools lose High Court battle against Starmer's VAT raid

A group of private schools, pupils and their parents have lost a High Court challenge over Labour's imposition of VAT on fees.
It comes after six families last year launched a legal challenge against the government's controversial tax raid, claiming the tax raid is discriminatory against certain pupils.
The legal challenge claimed the policy - which imposes 20 per cent VAT on private schools - causes unnecessary harm to certain categories of children, such as those with special needs.
The families were therefore seeking a declaration of incompatibility under section 4 of the Human Rights Act, saying the new tax is incompatible with ECHR rights.
While the legal challenge would not have been able to halt the VAT policy in its tracks or reverse it even if successful, it would have been a major blow to ministers and piled pressure on them to consider further exemptions.
The government has estimated the tax raid will raise £1.7bn per year by 2029-30, money which ministers said would be used to fund 6,500 new teachers for state schools.
So far, private school pupil numbers have fallen by more than 11,000 in England following the tax hike, Department for Education data showed.
In January 2025, there were around 582,500 pupils at English private schools, down from 593,500 at the same point last year.
When the policy was introduced, Treasury impact assessments estimated that private school fees would increase by around 10 per cent as a result of the introduction of VAT,
But in May, ISC figures showed that fees have increased by 22.6 per cent in the last year, with parents now paying out more than £22,000 a year on average.
On average, the Treasury predicts that 35,000 pupils would move into UK state schools 'in the long-term steady state'.
A further 2,000 children would leave private schools, the department estimated, consisting of international pupils who do not move into the UK state system or domestic pupils who move into homeschooling.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Reuters

37 minutes ago

• Reuters

ESMA head says EU lacks unified view on regulator's expanded powers

PARIS, June 23 (Reuters) - Efforts to grant the European Securities and Markets Authority greater supervisory powers face resistance from some EU members, its chair Verena Ross told Reuters, underscoring the challenges in unifying Europe's fragmented capital markets. "It's clear that when it comes to supervision and also some of the other measures, there's not a unified view that is definitely the way to go," said ESMA's Ross. "It's quite hard to predict where we will come out," she said in an interview in Paris, while remaining confident about broad support for the EU's package of measures to harmonize financial markets. The European Commission's Savings and Investment Union (SIU) package is the latest iteration of plans to deepen capital markets across Europe, which have been discussed for a decade, but which have made little progress. Announced in March, the SIU seeks to use trillions of euros in private savings held in bank accounts to fund technological and industrial development. As part of this initiative, ESMA could gain powers to directly oversee large cross-border financial firms, including crypto companies. Currently, Paris-based ESMA's direct oversight is limited to rating agencies and central counterparties. While EU leaders have voiced support for strengthening ESMA, progress has been slow due to key EU members' reluctance to give up control of their national financial rules. The head of France's financial regulator told Bloomberg, opens new tab in March that she would be willing to relinquish some national authority, while Luxembourg's prime minister wrote in the Financial Times, opens new tab "a decentralised European supervisory system leverages national authorities' expertise and avoids unnecessary bureaucracy." The rollout of the EU's landmark crypto regulation, MiCA, has raised concerns about inconsistent approaches among national regulators and whether they can effectively supervise complex cross-border financial firms. France's financial regulator last month warned that ESMA's lack of direct authority could lead to a "regulatory race to the bottom". Regulators across the bloc are divided over the speed and rigour of other countries' approvals. Ross acknowledged that individual countries were moving at different speeds on MiCA due to varying levels of pre-existing crypto regulation. But Ross added that "some have argued that rather than having 27 national supervisors responsible, let's just make ESMA responsible for it," a move that would make supervision more effective. ESMA has also been warning about excessive leverage, opens new tab in parts of fund management, some of which remains opaque. The regulator plans to collect information from market participants to address any lack of transparency. The regulator welcomed comparisons between ESMA and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but pointed out key differences. "I always find it very flattering if people talk about the European SEC. I personally have not used this term," Ross said. "We are not the U.S. - Europe is different, and we are talking here about natural steps to potentially move some of the direct supervision responsibility to the EU level, but in a very narrow and selected way."

The Sun

39 minutes ago

• The Sun

Moment protest chaos erupts as group behind RAF Brize Norton raid to be ‘BANNED like terror organisation'

POLICE have been spotted clashing with Palestine Action protesters at a demonstration today - as the group is set to be put on par with terror groups. Shocking footage showed officers tackling activists as violent scenes erupted at a protest on Trafalgar Square in central London this afternoon. 6 6 6 In one video posted online, a group of four cops can be seen attempting to wrestle a single protester to the ground. Other activists swarm around the officers as they struggle to take down the man. It comes as the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced today she has decided to proscribe Palestine Action. She explained that she will lay an order before Parliament next week which, if passed, will make membership and support for the protest group illegal. The ban will see the organisation on par with Hamas, al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The decision was made after activists from the pro-Palestinian group broke into RAF Brize Norton last week. Footage shared online showed two members breaking into the base and vandalising two planes in a "grotesque" breach of security. They spray red paint into the rear of one of the jet's two engines and deep into the aircraft itself. The pair of activists can then be seen roaming free across the grounds of the airbase on electric scooters. Brize Norton is the RAF 's largest airbase and home to more than 6,000 military and civilian personnel as well as the UK's largest military aircraft. The MoD slammed the "vandalism of Royal Air Force assets" in a scathing statement. A spokeswoman for the ministry said: "Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain. "They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. "It is our responsibility to support those who defend us." The shocking break-in at the Oxfordshire base prompted a security review at military bases across the UK. Hundreds commented under videos of the activists' efforts on social media, asking how security could be "that lacking" at a major military air base. 6 6 6

The Sun

40 minutes ago

• The Sun

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. While Coral doesn't go as deep into MMA markets as some competitors, it makes up for it with highly user-friendly betting tools, reliable odds, and creative bet-building features that can net you some unique, fun, and highly profitable bets. 4. BetMGM Since its UK launch in 2023, BetMGM has carved a niche in MMA by blending aggressive promotions with user-friendly innovation, managing to stand out even in a rather crowded sportsbook scene. The site offers an extensive selection of UFC and MMA betting markets, including standard options like To Win Fight, Round Betting, and Method of Victory, plus specials tied to major events. Features like Lion's Boosts enhance odds for select fights, and Edit My Bet lets punters tweak their wagers mid-event – a rare find in the MMA market. The platform also includes extensive in-play betting options and tips on upcoming fights. 5. 888 Sport 888 Sport is one of the biggest names in online sports betting these days. 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. There are also regular Bet Boosts on popular markets in big fights, and you can even get massive odds on randomised compound selections through Lucky Dip bets, such as guessing not only the winner and round, but also the exact minute the fight will end. 7. SBK SBK is a lesser-known operator well worth checking. In addition to excellent sports promotions for both new and existing players, it tries hard to stay competitive with the big industry names by offering the most competitive odds on a variety of popular sports markets, including all fighting sports. Best Price lets you see how the current odds for events stack up against major names like Unibet and Coral, while Price+ lets you get margin-free odds on select events to guarantee the most profitable bets. All major events such as UFC and UFC Fight Night are covered in detail, and you can bet on anything from outright winner to bout ranges. 8. Tote If you're a fan of pool betting, Tote is the best place to be. 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.