Welby in attack on gambling machines hitch

THE Archbishop of Canterbury has says he is “appalled” at the Government’s delay in cutting stakes on “crack cocaine” gambling machines, amid a mounting revolt from Tory MPS.

Tracey Crouch, the sports minister, resigned in protest at the “unjustifiable” decision in the Budget to delay cutting the maximum stakes on fixed-odds machines by six months and warned it would cost lives.

The Most Rev Justin Welby asked God to give Ms Crouch His blessing and praised her “principled and courageous stand”.

It came as Philip Davies, a Tory MP who has lobbied on behalf of the gambling industry, disclosed he had met Jeremy Wright, the Culture Secretary, “several” times.

Ms Crouch hinted in her resignation letter that other ministers had delayed the reduction in the stakes after making “commitments” to MPS with registered interests – a reference to MPS who had accepted donations from the gambling industry.

Mr Davies denied influencing Government policy or being given any commitment by Mr Wright during the meetings: “Jeremy has spoken to me two or three times about the issues,” he said. “It was just general issues. I didn’t realise I had such influence.”

Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, warned that the Government faced defeat in the Commons if it refused to back down.

A cross-party group of MPS is to table an amendment to the Finance Bill in the Commons to force the Government’s hand. While the vote will be symbolic, MPS believe it will back down to avoid the embarrassment of a defeat.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “There are a lot of people in

‘This is one of the easiest ways into gambling addiction and it needs to end’

Government that recognise they would like this to change. I want the Government to think again… this is what the public want, this is what families want. This would be a vote for them.”

Archbishop Welby said of the delay: “It doesn’t disappoint me: it appalls me. Parliament voted clearly. This is one of the easiest ways into gambling addiction and it needs to end. Gambling addiction has gone up and up and up in this country.”

Ms Crouch said she had no regrets about quitting. “I am perfectly comfortable,” she said. “The Prime Minister has an absolutely important job to do in order to deliver on Brexit. I look forward to being a supportive member of her back benches.”