Members of the Government / Parliamentary Private Secretaries do not, by convention, sign any Early Day Motions, as doing so is likely to breach the Ministerial Code’s rules on collective responsibility.
However, I share your concern about the level of harm caused by these gaming machines. There is a process that has to be gone through when such measures are implemented, but I am glad that the Government is getting on with it. The reduction in the stake on B2 gaming machines will be delivered through secondary legislation: Ministers are preparing the draft regulations that are needed and these will be laid before the House in the autumn for MPs to scrutinise.
Ministers are also engaging with the gambling industry before the changes come into force: this is not just to ensure that there is an appropriate period to implement the necessary technological changes, but also to develop plans to mitigate the potential impact on employment. In order to cover any negative impact on the public finances, the change will also be linked to an increase in remote gaming duty, which will happen at the relevant Budget: this needs to be in place when the change is made.
I am assured that the Government remains keen to get on with implementing the decision to reduce the maximum stake to £2. I look forward to seeing further progress in due course.
