As the political evolution in the UK continues and the dust settles on a dominant Labour general election win, Bacta has put plans in motion for increased collaboration with the country’s new leadership.
The trade body revealed that its initiative began as soon as the outcome of the Election was confirmed. Key to the plans and securing a strong future for growth of the sector was systematically mapping out members’ venues against their constituency MPs.
Furthermore, the deep-dive into the political terrain of the UK will also include a sectoral perspective identifying those MPs who have been appointed to the relevant Select Committees.
Expanding on the initiative Bacta Executive Director George McGregor stated: “This is the first occasion in the two decades that I have worked with Bacta that we have systematically mapped MPs with Members. We have used the general election outcome to create a geopolitical footprint for the industry.
“It will be the central nervous system guiding our political engagement and is a much more efficient way of putting Bacta members in front of their constituency MPs in order to present the case for the industry, in particular the importance of getting the reforms recommended in the White Paper over the line.”
Reflecting on the new Labour Government, he confirmed: “Our position is one of partnership and collaboration. We believe that the industry is ideally placed to support the Government’s economic growth objectives both on the high street and at the coast as part of a broader tourism strategy. We are preparing for a relentless 12-months with political engagement at the very top of Bacta’s agenda.”
Bacta’s moves come alongside the appointment of a new cabinet to oversee the governance of the sector. The changes saw Lisa Nandy on becoming the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and pledged to work with her ministerial team, to grow the economy and drive up standards on safer gambling.
She is joined at DCMS by Stephanie Peacock MP, who has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DCMS.
These appointments were also welcomed by the Betting and Gaming Council, as it looks to work closely with the cabinet to ensure a safe and thriving gambling sector.
Peacock has consistently been a firm supporter of Safer Gambling Week, having attended the BGC AGM this year where she gave a speech, and has also taken part in the BGC’s Grand National Charity Bet campaign, raising vital funds for a host of UK charities.
At the BGC’s AGM in February, Stephanie said: “Labour recognises that almost half of adults participate in some form of gambling, with the majority doing so safely and in moderation.
“From bingo to the races, many forms of gambling are rightly considered part of our British cultural tradition.
“Further to this, I know the success of the sector is vital for the economy more broadly, whether that’s betting shops, casinos, online betting and gaming or the companies that develop games.
“BGC members support over 110,000 jobs, generate billions in both GVA and taxes, and contribute to the success of many of our beloved sports through sponsorship and media rights deals.”
The BGC also underlined that it remains committed to delivering the evidence based, proportionate proposals contained in the White Paper, seeking to elevate standards while putting businesses on the right regulatory footing to drive economic growth.
Betting and Gaming Council Chair, Michael Dugher, said: “On behalf of our members, the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the regulated betting and gaming industry, and the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month, I am delighted to welcome Lisa Nandy to her new position as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
“She has hit the ground running and, on a personal note, can I welcome her particular support to ensure DCMS supports working class communities across the country. Betting has long been a part of working class culture for many people – from bingo halls to betting shops – and our mission to provide critical support for traditionally working class sports like rugby league, darts, snooker and lower league football is well known.
“I would also like to congratulate Steph Peacock on her new role as Minister for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society, who joins Lisa Nandy MP in DCMS.
“Steph already has a deep knowledge of our sector and sport, having been Shadow Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, for over a year, and I look forward to continuing working together.
“Both Lisa and Steph bring a wealth of experience to their new roles, backed by Labour’s welcome commitment to work with the industry. I would like to assure them both, they will have the full support and backing of this sector as we work together to drive economic growth and continue raising standards on safer betting and gaming.
“From high streets to hospitality, from tourism to tech, our members generate £4.2bn in taxes for the Treasury and contribute £7.1bn to the wider economy. This is a sector ready to contribute to growth, jobs and investment in the economy.
“We are investing in virtually every constituency in the land, particularly in sport, where our members are providing vital financial backing, and we look forward to working with the new Ministers at DCMS to drive economic growth and investment.
“BGC members are currently in the midst of the biggest regulatory changes in a generation following the publication of the White Paper, which Labour backed, and much of this work carries on now the election has been completed.
“Work on the White Paper is backed by the industry’s own significant efforts to drive world-class standards and protections for the vulnerable, which has transformed the sector in recent years and stands in marked contrast to the dangers posed by the unsafe, unregulated black market online.”
