Brake Votes Against Incoherent Plans For Super Casinos

12.00.00am GMT Tue 9th Nov 2004

Local MP Tom Brake took a firm stand against the unchecked expansion of casino gambling when he voted against the second reading of the Gambling Bill on 1 November.

Mr Brake said, "The Gambling Bill has many welcome features for tougher regulation but the proposals to increase the number of casinos and the introduction of highly addictive 'Category A' jackpot machines are extremely disturbing. Liberal Democrat MPs will oppose the Bill until the Government drops its incoherent and incomplete policies which promote super-casinos."

Mr Brake added, "In the name of progress and modernisation, Labour is backing legislation that could see our country burdened with Las Vegas style casinos. American casino operators are hoping to build these white elephant casinos and it is they who will reap the profits. Do we want the alleged regeneration or employment benefits if they are paid for by wrecking the lives of some people?"

"Labour wants to put mega-casinos on our high streets but in the name of progress and modernisation, the Government has axed our local post offices. One provides a vital high street service for our local community while the other does a disservice to our community by bringing traffic chaos, crime, and social ills."

"Does Labour believe that where one post office window closes, a casino door should open?"