Conservatives Say Government Must Not Water Down Promises On Gambling

Following recent comments made by the Head of the Gambling Commission, Peter Dean, the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Hugo Swire said:

"In the House of Commons, we were given categorical assurances by the Secretary of State that tackling problem gambling was an essential part of any gambling reforms. The cautious support for Labour's plans came only after unequivocal assurances from Tessa Jowell that the regulator would act to protect the vulnerable. It is worrying that the role and powers of the regulator seem to have been exaggerated by the Secretary of State."

He added: "Clearly from today's newspaper reports, the man put in charge does not intend to be as tough as Parliament was promised. We expect the Government not to water down the promises they made."