MP happy with casino blow

MANCHESTER MP John Leech has welcomed the latest blow to plans for a supercasino in the city.

After Gordon Brown questioned whether a casino was the right way to regenerate the area, Culture Secretary James Purnell put another nail in the coffin of the scheme.

The Stalybridge and Hyde MP told colleagues there was no consensus in favour of a supercasino in Manchester. He said MPs have doubts over having a supercasino in Britain.

Dead in the water

Withington Liberal Democrat MP Mr Leech said the government had tried to force a supercasino on to Manchester and now officials were suggesting the idea was dead in the water.

He said: "There are far better ways to promote regeneration than building a supercasino.

"The local Labour Party looks like it is at odds with the government and the public. Mr Brown went along with the plans when he came to Manchester earlier in the year.

"Now he has changed his mind without any discussion, despite asserting he wants to promote local democracy."

2007-07-25