This delay is unjustifiable ...two people die each day
Minister quits over Budget go-slow on problem-gambling machine crackdown
SPORTS Minister Tracey Crouch has resigned in disgust at a delay to the crackdown on fixed-odds betting machines.
She said putting it off was “unjustifiable” and warned it could cost the lives of problem gamblers.
MPs had believed the cut in the maximum stake from £100 to £2 would come into force in April.
But Chancellor Philip Hammond said in Monday’s Budget the change would be made next October.
Ms Crouch, who was the minister directly responsible for the process, told No10 she would resign unless Theresa May backed down.
The PM refused and last night Ms Crouch became the 12th minister to quit the Government in the past year.
In her resignation letter, Ms Crouch seemed to suggest the go-slow was linked to Tories associated with the gambling industry.
She said: “Unfortunately... these changes are now being delayed until October 2019 due to commitments made by others to those with registered interests.
“From the time of the announcement to reduce stakes and its implementation, over £1.6billion will be lost on these machines. In addition, two people will tragically take their lives every day due to gambling-related problems... I believe this delay is unjustifiable.” But Mrs May insisted in her letter responding to Ms Crouch there had been no delay. She added: “Indeed, as you know from your work as the minister responsible, we listened to those who wanted it to come into effect sooner than April 2020 and have agreed the changes should be in place within the year.” Labour’s Deputy Leader Tom Watson praised Ms Crouch and accused the Government of “capitulating to the gambling industry”. Tory Iain Duncan Smith said MPs want the change at the earliest opportunity, adding: “We need to place humans above money.”
THE resignation of Tracey Crouch has deprived the Government of one of its most popular and likeable ministers.
It is to her credit that she quit on such an important point of principle.
There is no excuse for the Government to delay its crackdown on fixed-odds betting terminals. These high-stakes machines – a stain on the gaming industry – have blighted lives and fuelled a rise in problem gambling.
Ms Crouch saw the damage they cause and persuaded the Government to take action.
Her good work was undone by Philip Hammond, who put the interests of big corporations ahead of people’s health and wellbeing.
The Chancellor has forced out one of the few Tories with a common touch and prolonged the pain caused by these destructive machines.