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UK Gambling Minister Jumps Ship Despite Outstanding White Paper
By Shane Addinall Jul 17, 2022 IndustryUncertainty reigns in the UK as parliament tries to keep it together after countless ministers walked away and demanded PM Johnson’s head. Although some reassure the public of a summer release on the white paper, it is unlikely.The gambling industry in Great Britain received upsetting news a week ago when Minister Chris Philp posted his letter of resignation on Twitter. The gambling minister said he could not continue his service in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government and suggested that the PM resign as well. Minister Philp’s resignation formed part of approximately 50 other resignations from Conservative ministers in protest to PM Johnson’s leadership.
Although the outgoing minister Philp said that the outstanding white paper is at 10 Downing Street, this inadvertently leads to a further delay in concluding the reform. Following the exodus of Conservative ministers, PM Johnson announced his exit from the government as soon as parliament has a replacement for him.
Although the leading party wasted no time in replacing Minister Chris Philp, they announced a halt on any new bills.
Resignation Via Twitter
Ex-Minister of the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Chris Philp, joined a group of Conservative Ministers to throw Prime Minister Boris Johnson out of government. Philp took to a very public stand with his exit and posted his full letter of resignation on Twitter. The Croydon South MP stated his contempt towards the current government, as led by PM Johnson.
In connection with the outstanding white paper, he wrote the document is at Number 10 for approval signatures. According to Philp, it only requires the final approval and contains rigid measures. The elusive white paper now changes hands for the fourth time since the launch of the gambling review, although Philp promised a definitive outcome this month.
A seemingly endless tug of war led to many delays for the gambling regulation reform, and many believed Philp could bring it to fruition. Considering the general turmoil of the British government, this is unlikely to happen before winter.
PM Johnson Resigns and Remains at No. 10
The British Prime Minister announced his resignation but that he would stay at 10 Downing Street until the conservative party appoints a replacement. Subsequently, 12 MPs entered the race for the position and unless the 1922 Committee changes certain rules on the timetable, a replacement can take months to appoint.
In the meantime, no bills may be passed. Previous Gambling Minister, Nigel Huddleston, confirmed the importance of wrapping up the reform and said:
“We will publish a white paper setting out a new vision for the sector in the coming weeks.”
Although the details of the white paper may become apparent in the next few weeks, the chance exists that it will change before coming into effect. Senior Conservative Peer Jacob Rees Mogg told the British press that the government will not sign any new bills into law for at least the next three months thanks to the precarious situation at Number 10.
Four Ministers and No White Paper
Less than one week after Philp’s resignation, parliament announced that Damian Collins, under-secretary of state for online safety at the DCMS, took control of the regulatory overhaul for gambling. Collins becomes the fourth minister in charge of the white paper.
According to Philp’s letter, the review is complete and ready for approval, but with the PM’s resignation, all is uncertain. The shifts in government and a new Prime Minister may lead to further clashes and changes in the review.
Some believe the change could have a positive impact on regulatory updates for the industry as Michael Dugher of the Betting and Gaming Council tweeted:
“Many congratulations to @DamianCollins on his appointment as Minister at DCMS. Highly rated and respected, and thoroughly well-deserved. Someone who actually knows something about his brief too – whatever is the world coming to?!”
Feedback on the contents of Philp’s white paper remains evasive, but most, including Philp, imply that the updated regulations are strict and aim at protecting Brits from gambling addiction. Whether the new minister will follow suit remains to be seen.
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