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Deputy PM throws weight behind Blackpool casino bid

28/02/2007

John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, is believed to be backing MPs who want the UK's first supercasino to be built in Blackpool, rather than Manchester.

It is reported that Mr Prescott has told friends and backbenchers that he agrees with the 100 MPs who have signed a House of Commons motion calling for the Casino Advisory Panel's (CAP) decision to be overturned.

MPs want the government to reconvene the scrutiny committee members who originally examined the draft gambling bill before a final vote takes place in parliament.

The deputy PM believes that Blackpool is more in need of regeneration than Manchester, which has enjoyed an urban renaissance in the last decade.

However, Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, has said he is concerned about the level of criticism aimed at the CAP.

"They have clearly acted in a very independent way and that is what seems to be causing the problems," Sir Richard told the BBC's World at One.

If Manchester is given the go-ahead by MPs to host the supercasino, it will be built in Beswick, on the east side of the city.


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