Jowell defies Blair on casino

2007-05-25 17:31:09

Government minister Tessa Jowell has contradicted Prime Minister Tony Blair after saying that there will only be one super-casino built in the UK over the next few years.

Last month Mr Blair said that there remained the possibility of two venues being built following a disputed selection process that saw Manchester win out over favourite Blackpool.

But culture secretary Jowell has said that there will only be one built before the next general election, dashing the hopes of Blackpool.

"I've made the government's position clear &ndash consistent with our policy of public protection, there'll be one regional casino during this Parliament. No others will be considered until that experience has been evaluated properly. There is no mess or confusion, except what is due to the unsuccessful attempts of the opposition," she told Parliament.

The proposals for 17 smaller casinos remain up in the air.


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