Anna Dixon MP has today spoken up in favour of the new Labour Government's plan to introduce a statutory levy on gambling.
The Member of Parliament, speaking in a debate on the subject in Westminster Hall said: "According to GambleAware, around one in eight people in my Shipley constituency engage in gambling behaviour that is deemed to be harmful.
"Like my hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West (Dr Cooper), I see gambling as an addiction and a public health issue. I therefore welcome the Government’s commitment to introduce the statutory levy on gambling and to put that £50 million into NHS services. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is vital that there are NHS services in every part of the country to support those suffering from gambling addiction?"
Labour MP Alex Ballinger, the host of the debate, responded: "I agree with my hon. Friend and will come on to the statutory levy in a moment.
"It is particularly important that that fund is used not just for treatment, but for prevention."