Business of the House

John Hayes Excerpts

Thursday 5th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

And now, a final pithy question from Sir John Hayes.

[Sir John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) (Con)]

Problem gambling first breaks people and then costs lives. It is a far cry from the weekly pools coupon of my father’s day, and it is devastating people in Lincolnshire and elsewhere. Given the announcement of a new £30 million statutory gambling levy, will the Leader of the House arrange a debate so that we can discuss how to guarantee that that money is spread fairly, and is not eaten up by organisations sponsored by the gambling industry?

[Lucy Powell]

The right hon. Gentleman is right to raise this issue. Online gambling in particular has completely changed the whole industry and increased people’s susceptibility to problems such as gambling addiction. This Government are taking forward the recommendations made previously to tackle the scourge of gambling, and I will ensure that the relevant Minister comes to the House at some point to talk about these issues.