Tags for Forum Posts: betting shops, gambling
Matthew, as a party political point, I'd be the among the first to criticise Mr Lammy for having voted – like so many east-bloc councillors – for career rather than principle.
However, if we actually care about cleaning up the spreading oil-slick of FOBTs, we ought now to recognise that David has altered his views on this Act and welcome his change of heart.
It is said that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance!
Disclosure:
I am a prospective councillor candidate
Highgate Ward | Liberal Democrat Party
making amends is better
Amen!
(NB. I continue to regard the Gambling Act 2005 as one of New Labour's greatest shames)
Disclosure:
I am a prospective councillor candidate
Highgate Ward | Liberal Democrat Party
I think New Labour's shames are so many and varied it's hard to rank them…
Introducing tuition fees 1997 as soon as they got into power (what a messy business that made of HE!) is probably my 'top of the pops.' A draconian smoking ban (I was for some more of control btw) that allows for no choice about separate smoking rooms and has helped to close down thousands of pubs and clubs and subsequent job losses… that's another..
but I don't want to highjack this stream which is about the betting shop proliferation.
It's just symptomatic of the mistakes of New Labour. Evidence that they want to make amends and have the clear commitment to putting things right is needed before they ever have my vote again.
UNFORTUNATELY, its going to be long and hard IMO to row back the excessive freedoms bestowed on the gambling industry by the last government.
This Act would have been a poor piece of legislation from any party. It was surprising that it came under a Labour Government, which Party I had thought prided itself on social responsibility and speaking up for the weak and vulnerable.
(It is now widely recognised that the highest density of the betting shops is in poorer areas. John McMullan has correctly identified the FOBTs as being the driving force behind proliferation).
However, late last year it was disclosed that New Labour accepted large donations from a major gambling operation prior to the legislation.
Venal and adding insult to injury?
Or was it just coincidence?
I think not. A few voices within New Labour warned what would happen but they were disregarded.
It's become a cliché that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This Act is an example of how a government can contribute to the trend.
Disclosure:
I am a prospective councillor candidate
Highgate Ward | Liberal Democrat Party
Very well put. Making amends would be very good indeed. Soon.
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