Turkey, Britain to hold free trade agreement modernisation talks by end-July, trade minister says
ANKARA, May 7 (Reuters) - Turkey and the United Kingdom agreed to hold the first round of negotiations to modernize and expand the scope of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between them by end-July, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said on Wednesday.
The FTA between NATO allies Britain and Turkey was rolled over when Britain left the European Union in 2020, but a review by both sides in 2023 concluded there was room for improvement.
In a post on X, Bolat said his meeting in London with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, was productive and that the sides signed sections of the free trade agreement about motor vehicles and chemicals, taking an "important step in the modernization process."
"Additionally, we agreed to hold the 8th session of the Türkiye–United Kingdom Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), where we will comprehensively assess our trade relations, in London later this year," Bolat added.
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The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
Best independent casinos in the UK for 2025
THE online casino market in the UK is more exciting than ever, with new platforms launching almost daily to meet the growing demand for fresh and innovative gaming experiences. Independent casinos that UK players can trust are rapidly becoming the norm: sites outside large corporate networks, offering unique games or bonuses, and often a far more personalised approach. Today, we look at some of the top independent casinos the UK market has to offer. 🌟 Top independent casinos 🤔 What are independent casinos? Independent casinos are online gambling sites that typically operate without being part of a larger casino network or brand group. Unlike casinos owned by major operators with multiple sister sites, independent casinos are run by standalone companies. This often means they have more flexibility in their game selection, promotions, and tailoring the overall user experience. While they must still be licensed and regulated (typically by the UK Gambling Commission), they may use different software providers or offer unique features not found on platforms that are part of large casino networks. Players often choose them when wanting to try something new and different, though some independent brands have become online casino powerhouses in their own right. 🔎 A closer look at the best independent casino sites in the UK With so many independent casinos vying for player attention these days, it can be difficult figuring out which ones are worth your time. That's why we did the legwork for you, rigorously testing and reviewing numerous operators based on our in-depth testing methodology, the Sun Factor. All of them provide a great player experience across the board (from promotions to the game selection), but each also stands out in some way that makes them special. Let's take a closer look, shall we? 1. Betway With almost 20 years of industry experience, Betway is a legendary operator to both punters and casino enthusiasts across the UK. In addition to a massive sportsbook and casino game library, it offers players a small selection of unique branded slots and table games, such as Betway Big Bass Splash and Betway Roulette. The site also maintains one of the most extensive live casino portfolios among independent operators, partnering with major providers like Evolution and Playtech. Another notable feature is Betway Plus, a tiered loyalty scheme that combines both sportsbook and casino activity into a single rewards system. Finally, there's Betway's Flexi Bonus, which allows players to forfeit their bonus balance and withdraw their current cash balance at any time, regardless of outstanding wagering requirements. 2. bet365 Casino bet365 has been around for a quarter of a century, offering both one of the UK's best sportsbooks and a large casino with particularly good table and live games and excellent high RTP slots like Money Kart 2. Some standout titles are its exclusive live dealer game, Super Spin Roulette, which incorporates random multipliers of up to x540 on specific wheel numbers, and unique live game shows such as The Big Draw. There are also tons of ongoing tournaments and promotions in place, especially for poker fans and a unique Prize Matcher game, allowing players to reveal symbols daily for a chance to win free spins, golden chips, or free bets. Finally, bet365's single-wallet system enables players to seamlessly switch between the sportsbook and casino offerings using the same bankroll. 3. VideoSlots Videoslots is renowned for its extensive game library, featuring over 8,000 titles from more than 180 providers, including industry giants like NetEnt, Play'n GO, and Pragmatic Play. This vast selection includes slots, table games, live casino offerings, and even progressive jackpots. A standout feature is the Battle of Slots, a unique multiplayer tournament system exclusive to Videoslots, allowing players to compete in scheduled and sit-and-go battles against each other with various buy-in options. Additionally, the Clash of Spins daily races offer wager-free prizes, and, for those seeking jackpot opportunities, the Wheel of Jackpots provides chances to win on three separate jackpots just by playing slot or live casino games on the site. 4. 888 Casino Another veteran of the industry, 888 has been around for nearly 30 years and is known for its unique sportsbook and casino offerings and player-centric features. A standout aspect is its exclusive game library, developed by its in-house studio, Section8. It includes unique slots like 888 Megaways, The Unholy, or Ultimate Universe, which you won't find anywhere else. Additionally, 888 Casino offers numerous interesting live dealer games such as Free Bet Blackjack and Speed Baccarat, providing unique twists on traditional casino games. You can also play games in free mode, which is excellent for testing out new slots. Finally, there are tons of worthwhile promotions to discover, such as Drops & Wins, which offers random prize drops and tournaments with a total prize pool of over £30 million. 5. MrQ Initially launched in 2018 as an online bingo platform, MrQ has since evolved into a full-fledged online casino offering a wide range of games, including numerous slots and live casino games. While not as widely popular as the likes of bet365 or 888 Casino, it offers two very worthwhile features that make it stand out even on our list: a commitment to no-wagering bonuses and fast & secure deposits and withdrawals. Not only do welcome bonuses often include over 50 wager-free spins, but regulars can also look forward to more through Drops & Wins and Refer a Friend promos. In terms of payments, you'll get almost instant deposits and withdrawals through PayPal or Visa Direct, and we were impressed by how much faster most transactions are processed compared to average industry times. 6. kwiff Although best known for an excellent sportsbook, kwiff also offers a great casino experience, with a quality-over-quantity approach of carefully curated slot, table, and live casino games. While the sportsbook has a unique feature true to its namesake, which supercharges or kwiffs random bets to improve payouts or enhance them in other ways, the casino offers no particularly unique perks. What it does offer, though, is well-designed mobile apps with a sleek and minimalist design, making for one of the better gaming-on-the-go experiences on the market. There are also numerous opt-in, opt-out weekly loyalty rewards and a variety of ongoing promotions and Drops & Wins events, and the casino also often gives out wager-free spins as part of its welcome offer. 7. LeoVegas Over the past decade and a half, LeoVegas has built a strong presence in the UK online casino market with a focus on mobile-first design and exclusive game experiences. It has received multiple industry accolades, including numerous Online Casino of the Year awards at the Global Gaming Awards and Operator of the Year at the 2023 EGR Operator Awards. In addition to a large slot and table game collection, LeoVegas Originals are exclusive slot titles created in partnership with top industry names like MicroGaming and Wazdan. The casino also hosts custom VIP live tables, offering a more tailored experience for casino veterans. Combined with generous new player promotions, fast withdrawals, and excellent customer support, it's one of the best and most well-rounded casinos on the UK market. 👉 Differences between independent casinos and major operators Independent casinos are typically smaller, privately owned platforms offering unique themes and personalised service. In contrast, major operators are large, often global brands with wide game selections, strong industry reputations, and strict regulatory oversight. Independent sites may offer more flexibility, original homebrewed games and novel bonuses, while major operators provide reliability, advanced security features, and partnerships with the top industry game providers. That said, plenty of larger independent casinos such as Betway and LeoVegas have made it so big that they mostly have the upsides of the big industry-leading companies, without the downsides typically associated with smaller independent casinos. Feature Independent Casinos Major Operators Ownership Privately owned, often smaller scale (typically one casino per brand) Large corporations, often global (numerous casinos under one brand) Game Selection Limited, but with more original and homebrewed games Extensive game selection, often deals with numerous top industry providers Bonuses More unique and niche promotions Standardised, wide-reaching offers Customer Support More personalised, variable hours 24/7 professional support Security & Licensing May vary, less regulated Strong regulation and security measures Brand Recognition Lesser-known (though exceptions do exist) Well-established reputation Innovation Often more creative and experimental Focus on stability and compliance 💡 How we evaluate independent casinos in the UK When assessing the quality and reliability of independent casinos in the UK, the Sun Factor plays a pivotal role in our comprehensive evaluation process. Our rating criteria encompass several key factors, including the transparency, trustworthiness, and regulatory compliance of each casino site we review. We also look at the security measures they employ, the variety of their game selection and payment methods, and last but certainly not least, how good the site's promotions and loyalty programmes for players are. 📝 Casino ownership & licensing We start by looking at who owns the casino site and which authority licenses it. For independent online casinos in the UK, this is especially important, as many operate without the backing of a major network. We make sure that each site holds a UKGC license and is transparent about who's behind the operation. This ensures that our readers visit only reputable casinos that are independently audited for player safety and game fairness. 🔒 Leading security measures All independent casinos in the UK we recommend must meet high security standards. That means proper SSL encryption, a firewall, secure login and deposit pages, and responsible data handling practices. We also look for two-factor authentication through mobile apps when available and compliance with all relevant privacy regulations in the UK. 🎰 Novelty and diversity in games One area where independent casinos in the UK often lag behind compared to the major players in the industry is game variety. On the flip side, they often have more interesting games on offer, as they aren't usually as tied to deals with the big publishers as their larger, more well-established counterparts are. In this category, we assess how many slots, table games, and dealer games are available on the site, how often new titles are added, and whether the game selection includes niche or exclusive options not found on mainstream slot sites. 💳 Latest payment methods Access to convenient and secure payment methods is crucial for seamless transactions at any online casino, and independent casinos often have an advantage here, as they are quicker to adopt the latest in online payment trends. We evaluate how players can deposit, withdraw, and manage their funds on the site. A good independent casino should support a wide range of payment methods, including popular payment options such as bank transfers and debit cards, but also popular e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller, and alternative prepaid or card options such as Trustly and Paysafecard. As part of our evaluation, we also consider factors such as the minimum deposit limits, withdrawal speeds, and whether the site imposes processing fees or has complicated wagering requirements tied to specific payment methods. 💰 Bonus selection and quality Bonuses and promotional offers can greatly enhance the value proposition of casino sites and are a great opportunity for independent casinos to make a name for themselves. Here we look at not only the variety of bonuses on offer (including welcome offers for new players and seasonal promotions available to everyone) but also how honest the casino is about these offers. This means diving deep into factors such as the wagering requirements, time limits, eligible deposit methods, and more, all to ensure our readers are getting access only to truly fair and transparent bonus offers that are worth their time and money. 🧑💻 Loyalty programs Rewarding customer loyalty is integral to sustaining player engagement. We evaluate the structure and benefits of loyalty programs offered by independent casino brands, highlighting opportunities for players to earn rewards, exclusive offers, and even personalised incentives. Whether it's a simple ladder system with increasing rewards, such as larger weekly cashouts and cashback, or a more complex and rewarding scheme that includes perks like special tournament invites and a VIP account manager, it's essential for an independent casino to show it cares for retaining its veteran players as much as it does for attracting new ones to the site. 🤓 What makes independent casinos so special While the majority of top online casinos are part of a larger corporate structure that sometimes includes hundreds of brands, some big names are proudly independent and run by one company that often has no other major casinos, choosing instead to focus on quality over quantity. Many players are turning to independent casinos in the UK for a more custom-tailored, flexible, and overall rewarding experience. Here are some of the key reasons why these casino sites are worth a closer look. More creative freedom & unique player experiences Because independent online casinos in the UK aren't tied to large networks or rigid corporate structures, they can afford to offer a more brave and unconventional take on casino gaming. That might mean having a custom-built platform, exclusive independent slot games, or fresh twists on the well-known table games like poker or blackjack. Players looking for something different from the usual will likely find it at independent casinos first. Better value bonuses and tailored promotions Independent casinos UK often compete with their larger, more established rivals by offering better bonuses, such as more generous deposit bonuses or ones with lower wagering requirements. These offers can also sometimes be more transparent and player-friendly than the ones found on networks that have dozens of casino sites managed by one company. By the same token, loyalty promotions are also often more flexible and responsive to player feedback, and offer more unique player rewards. Faster payments and more modern banking options Many new independent casinos UK are quicker to adopt the latest payment trends compared to brands that manage dozens of websites and try to keep things uniform between them as much as they can. This means that players can often deposit and withdraw using not only e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, or pay-by-mobile services with no processing fees. Smaller independent operators also tend to process withdrawals faster, with fewer delays, but larger ones may still have huge traffic to contend with, so this isn't always the case. More responsive customer support Because they often serve smaller player bases, or at least typically have to focus on only one site, independent casino operators usually provide more direct and helpful customer support. Whether it's live chat, email, or even a phone line, players often find responses are faster and more human, especially when compared to support at larger brands, where you're just a ticket number waiting in a long line. More flexibility with game selection Independent casinos, especially smaller ones just starting out in the UK, aren't limited to deals with major software providers. They often include games from smaller studios, resulting in a more varied game selection, even if the overall number of games is smaller. This means players can find games they normally couldn't on the bigger sites, which often feel like indie developers are not worth supporting, and won't be popular enough with their audience. 👎 Disadvantages of independent casinos While independent casinos in the UK can offer more original content and tend to have higher flexibility, they aren't without their drawbacks compared to the big, established industry names. Here are a few reasons why some players might hesitate before signing up with a smaller, less established casino site. Less brand recognition and trust at first glance Big brands are often trusted simply because they're well-known and have a well-established industry reputation. By contrast, new independent casinos may raise questions about legitimacy or long-term stability, especially with cautious players. And sometimes, this is with good reason - after all, it's far less common for major casino brands to turn out to be frauds. They are far less in a position to risk their reputation that's been built steadily over many years or even decades in the industry. That said, well-established independent brands like LeoVegas and 888 Casino have built up this trust over the years and don't have such problems to contend with. Smaller game libraries and fewer big-name titles While variety can be a strength, some smaller independent online casinos in the UK may offer fewer high-profile slots or table games due to limited deals with the major providers like Microgaming or Pragmatic Play. This can impact their overall game selection, which is especially relevant to players who prefer playing top-tier or branded slot games such as Starburst or Book of Dead. Bonuses may be more difficult to understand & benefit from Some casino bonuses at independent casinos may appear generous on the surface, but come with high wagering requirements, unclear terms & conditions, or other limitations that make them more difficult to profit from. Without careful reading, players might find these offers more frustrating than rewarding. That said, we only feature the best independent casinos in the UK on our page, so you won't have to worry about shady T&C documents and other underhanded tactics some less honest independent operators may resort to. Limited support and fewer responsible gambling tools Unlike the majority of the big operators, smaller independent casino sites are often run with a skeleton crew of people to cut down on the costs. This means that they may not always offer 24/7 customer support, full self-exclusion tools, or integrations with UK-wide responsible gambling programs. For players who value strong support and safety features, this could be a dealbreaker. That said, for those players, we also feature several larger independent casinos on our page, which don't typically have this problem. The future of independent casinos in the UK The future of independent casinos in the UK looks increasingly promising as players seek more personalised, innovative, and flexible gaming experiences. Unlike corporate giants with hundreds of brands under their umbrella, independent operators can quickly adapt to trends, experiment with new and innovative game mechanics, and offer tailored promotions that better suit individual preferences. With a growing number of platforms gaining UK Gambling Commission licences, trust and credibility are also on the rise. These casinos often feature faster payment processing, unique loyalty schemes, and more responsive customer support, all benefits that their more agile business models make possible. However, some challenges remain. Smaller libraries, less brand recognition, and occasionally limited responsible gambling tools may deter more cautious players. Still, established independents like LeoVegas and MrQ are proving that it's possible to combine originality with operational excellence. As the demand for more diverse and rewarding online casino experiences grows, the UK market is likely to see continued expansion and evolution of independent platforms, especially those focused on mobile-first design, exclusive content, and player-focused innovation. FAQ about independent casinos Players considering independent casinos often have some questions and concerns before signing up, such as how trustworthy they are, and what their game selection is like. Below, we've answered the most common queries to help you get a better handle on what to expect from signing up to an independent casino in the UK. 1. Are independent casino sites safe? Yes, independent casino sites can be safe, as long as they're licensed in the UK and follow standard security protocols, like all of the casinos on our list. Most trusted independent casinos in the UK also offer secure payment options like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller, along with at least some verified software providers like Evolution Gaming for their games. Still, it's important to read both our reviews and those of other players and you shouldn't be afraid of doing a bit of research before taking the plunge. 2. What games are offered at independent casinos? Independent UK casinos usually offer a wide variety of casino games, including slots, table games, and dealer games. Many also feature titles from smaller or up-and-coming studios, which means players may discover unique game categories or formats not found on larger slot sites. That said, don't expect the same breadth of games you'd find on a major operator like 888 Casino, as these up-and-coming operators typically haven't yet build up their game library to such impressive levels. With that in mind, who really needs 5,000 different slot games, right? 3. Are there any membership fees for independent casinos? No, independent casinos UK do not charge membership fees to sign up or play. Like most casino sites, they make money through game margins and wagering requirements, not subscriptions or fees. That said, some sites may offer optional VIP clubs or loyalty schemes where access to higher tiers comes from deposits and regular gameplay, and the only fees are the money you'll spend on the site. Always check the T&Cs if you're unsure, but in general, signing up and playing at any independent casino we've ever tested didn't cost us anything upfront other than our first deposit bonus. 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.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
The best holidays to book for July 2025, from Suffolk staycations to Indian rail adventures
School holidays don't start till quite late in July this year, leaving time to explore parts of Europe before prices shoot up and the crowds descend. Check out one of the most attractive resorts along Turkey 's Izmir coast and plunge into the clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Southern Italy also beckons, with the hilltop towns and long sandy beaches of Puglia. If you're looking for a grand adventure, let an escorted rail tour of India take you into its summertime hill stations and astounding mountain scenery. Once the school holidays kick in, take the family to one of Atlantic France's most appealing coastal villages. Stay closer to home in a cosy cottage in Suffolk, or indulge in a foodie break on the Scottish island of Islay. Whichever holiday you're thinking about taking in July, have a look at these ideas. Soak up the sunshine and sophisticated vibe of Mark Warner Phokaia Beach Resort near Foça in Izmir, where you can be as active or as lazy as you like. Take advantage of the huge range of activities – tennis, pickleball, watersports and fitness, among many others – plus four pools and a fabulous stretch of beach right in front of the hotel. Travel on 1 July when prices start at £1,199pp, including flights, transfers, five days' full-board and two days' half-board accommodation. India If Race Across the World has inspired you to travel to India, do it in comfort and style with this Royal Indian Odyssey escorted journey with Mercury Holidays. Over 15 days, you'll travel by rail and coach between Delhi and Mumbai to see such classic sights as Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort and lake-filled Udaipur. Prices for a 16 July departure start at £2,099pp, saving £200, and include flights, transfers, entrance fees, 13 excursions and 39 meals. Italy Bask in views of one of Puglia's most delightful hilltop towns from your own hilly perch at Hotel Monte Sarago. Its outdoor pool overlooking Ostuni's old town is the place for laid-back afternoons after you've spent the day exploring Puglia's beaches, historic towns, cute white trulli buildings and tranquil coastal nature reserves. Citalia has five nights at Hotel Monte Sarago from 4 July from £950pp, including flights, transfers and breakfast. Hole up in the pretty Suffolk village of Yoxford when you stay at Coach House Cottage, whose extensive gardens roll down towards the River Yox. This characterful two-bedroom cottage has plenty of places to relax and dine indoors and out, and also includes a barbecue. There's a pub within staggering distance, and the nearest beach is six miles away. Booked through Suffolk Secrets, it's available from 6 July for £607 for five nights' self-catering. France 'Camping in France ' is the usual failsafe idea that pops up during the school holidays when you want to take the children away and not spend a fortune. But at Siblu's Les Viviers, you'll be in one of France's loveliest places to stay, Cap Ferret, on its wild Atlantic coast. Stay in a two-bedroom mobile home from 29 July for seven nights from £1,033 for a family of four, and you'll have a week of swimming in the site's lake and private beach and more activities than the kids will have time for. And you can visit the oyster villages running along the peninsula, take a boat to Arcachon and even pop down to the massive Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest sand dune. Scotland Get away from it all on a weekend break at Another Place The Machrie on Islay, one of the most enchanting islands in Scotland – not to mention among the booziest thanks to its nine whisky distilleries. Book a room at The Machrie and enjoy long walks along the seven-mile sandy beach, or play a round of golf. Prices for a three-night break from Friday to Monday or Saturday to Tuesday cost from £928 per room, including breakfast, one dinner and one Sunday lunch, plus discounts on golf and spa treatments.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Ukraine awaiting Russia peace proposal ahead of Istanbul talks
Russia says it will send a delegation to Istanbul on Monday for a second round of peace talks with Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow's conditions for a temporary truce were being developed and would be discussed in has said it remains committed to dialogue but will not send a delegation until it receives details of Russia's ceasefire proposal. The first round of talks between low-level Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place earlier this month, resulting in both sides returning hundreds of prisoners in the biggest exchange since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine had already sent its own "vision of future steps" to Russia, adding that Moscow "must accept an unconditional ceasefire" to pave the way for broader negotiations."We are interested in seeing these meetings continue because we want the war to end this year," Sybiha said during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Friday. If the talks do go ahead on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are not expected to Fidan said Turkey was hoping to eventually host a high-level summit: "We sincerely think it is time to bring President Trump, President Putin and President Zelensky to the table."Peskov said Russia would only entertain the idea of a high-level summit if meaningful progress was achieved in preliminary discussions between the two welcomed comments made by Trump's envoy to Ukraine, retired Gen Keith Kellogg, who described Russian concerns over Nato enlargement as "fair". Gen Kellogg said Ukraine joining the military alliance, long-hoped for by Kyiv, was not on the added that President Trump was "frustrated" by what he described as Russia's intransigence, but emphasised the need to keep negotiations Wednesday, Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, told Ukraine's Zelensky that Berlin would help Kyiv produce long-range missiles to defend itself from future Russian Kremlin said any decision to end range restrictions on the missiles Ukraine could use would represent a dangerous change in policy that would harm efforts to bring an end to the currently controls 20% of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
