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Lords scupper super-casino plan | Lords scupper super-casino plan |
(10 minutes later) | |
Peers have rejected a decision to build the UK's first super-casino in Manchester by just three votes. | Peers have rejected a decision to build the UK's first super-casino in Manchester by just three votes. |
It means the plans will not be implemented, even though MPs backed the proposal by a majority of 24. | It means the plans will not be implemented, even though MPs backed the proposal by a majority of 24. |
The Lords vote also means that plans for 16 smaller casinos around the UK will have to be shelved. | The Lords vote also means that plans for 16 smaller casinos around the UK will have to be shelved. |
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said that, after the defeat, she wanted "to reflect on the outcome" and promised new proposals. | Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said that, after the defeat, she wanted "to reflect on the outcome" and promised new proposals. |
'Stand-off' | 'Stand-off' |
Peers rejected the Gambling Order backing Manchester by 123 votes to 120, while MPs supported it by 274 to 250. | |
It is thought likely the government will say the verdict of the Commons - the elected house of Parliament - should rate above that of the Lords. | It is thought likely the government will say the verdict of the Commons - the elected house of Parliament - should rate above that of the Lords. |
My city and my constituency is still one of the poorest parts of this country Tony LloydManchester Central MP | |
This could lead to a stand-off, with ministers sticking to the original plans. | This could lead to a stand-off, with ministers sticking to the original plans. |
Manchester was picked earlier this year by an independent panel ahead of the front-runners Blackpool and the former Millennium Dome in London. | Manchester was picked earlier this year by an independent panel ahead of the front-runners Blackpool and the former Millennium Dome in London. |
Some critics argued that Blackpool was a more suitable venue, with greater need for a super-casino. | Some critics argued that Blackpool was a more suitable venue, with greater need for a super-casino. |
Others said it could increase problem gambling in a deprived part of Manchester. | |
During the Commons debate, Blackpool North and Fleetwood Labour MP Joan Humble said her town had been unfairly "marked down" by the Casino Advisory Panel. | |
'Problem gambling' | |
She added: "This was our future. This was the new 21st century Blackpool. | |
"If we're trying to minimise problem gambling then we should celebrate the fact that here we are pleading for a super-casino in a resort. | |
"Where else should there be a super-casino but by the seaside in Blackpool?" | |
But supporters of the Manchester bid said the chosen area in the east of the city was in need of the investment and renewal the project would bring. | But supporters of the Manchester bid said the chosen area in the east of the city was in need of the investment and renewal the project would bring. |
Manchester Central Labour MP Tony Lloyd said opposing the plans would be a "vote against Manchester". | |
He said there was a clear need for regeneration because "my city and my constituency is still one of the poorest parts of this country". | |
The Lords vote means the super-casino plans will have to be re-drafted and that those for eight more "large" casinos and a further eight "small" ones are also thrown out. | |
Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster told the BBC that the votes for the super-casino and the other venues should have been separate. | |
He added: "It comes down to the real need for more scrutiny of the super-casino." | |
Earlier, Ms Jowell tried to head off a rebellion by accepting an amendment tabled by Labour peer Baroness Golding, setting up a new joint committee of MPs and peers to look at the lessons to be learnt from the casino selection process. | |
Large casinos had been due to be built in Great Yarmouth, Hull, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Newham, Solihull and Southampton. | |
The sites chosen for smaller venues were: Bath and North East Somerset, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lindsey, Luton, Scarborough, Swansea, Torbay and Wolverhampton. | The sites chosen for smaller venues were: Bath and North East Somerset, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lindsey, Luton, Scarborough, Swansea, Torbay and Wolverhampton. |