Labour shadow cabinet lends support to Gambling with Lives
Leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow DCMS chief Lucy Powell sit down with charity group to discuss reform
Labour’s top brass has signalled its support for gambling reform after engaging with charity group Gambling with Lives at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.
Gambling with Lives set up a stall at the annual conference’s exhibition floor in its efforts to call on the Labour Party to adopt a “robust position on gambling reform” to take to the government.
Newly appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss finds herself with a stacked in-tray, including the yet-to-be published white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review.
The publication date of the white paper, which has been delayed four times, has still not been announced.
Thank you @Keir_Starmer for taking time to speak with bereaved families today.
All our conversations at #Lab22 have shown a real understanding of the urgent need for gambling reform. pic.twitter.com/YSolI4Ju97
— Gambling with Lives (@GambleWithLives) September 25, 2022
Gambling with Lives are calling for an end to all gambling advertising, an independent levy on the industry to fund research, public health messaging and stake limits on online casinos.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer took time out to speak with the bereaved families at the event, along with fellow shadow cabinet ministers Emily Thornberry and David Lammy.
Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Lucy Powell also pledged her support.
Thanks for your support @LucyMPowell at the Labour Party Conference today! #Lab22 pic.twitter.com/fbmKi6fx9k
— Gambling with Lives (@GambleWithLives) September 25, 2022
Powell’s opposite number, Michelle Donelan, has yet to pass comment on the white paper following her appointment by Truss in the Prime Minister’s first cabinet.
Since becoming an MP, Donelan has been vocal regarding gambling-related harms and was a key backer of reformation during the FOBT debate.
Given Truss’ policies since becoming Prime Minister indicate minimal state involvement and a slashing of red tape, it would be a surprise to see a draconian white paper make it into the public forum.
In fact, some reports have suggested any pre-Truss legislation filed under Boris Johnson’s Premiership is set to be cut loose in a symbolic changing of the guard at Number 10.