Gambling Bill Clears Commons
25 Jan 2005
UK -- As reported by the Guardian: "The government's controversial gambling bill cleared the Commons despite a backbench rebellion by 22 Labour MPs. In a vote forced by disgruntled backbenchers, the bill was given a third reading by 236 votes to 38, government majority 198, and now goes to the Lords.
"...The culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, said the bill would give Britain 'the toughest, most comprehensive regulatory framework in the world, to protect the public interest, to prevent the exploitation of children'.
"But Labour MP Win Griffiths said he would not support the bill and he hoped the Lords would amend it..."