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Public Health England was conducting a study of gambling-related harm, ahead of the govts review of the Gambling Act. I wonder what will become of it now that Dido Harding is to lead its successor, the National Institute for Health Protection.
A few points to note:-
A few points to note:-
- Harding is a huge horse racing enthusiast, an ex-jockey who sits on the board of the Jockey Club. Horse racing is, to a large degree, dependent on the gambling industry.
- She was appointed by Matt Hancock, MP for Newmarket, whose donations from the horse racing industry are well documented. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/matt-hancocks-racing-links-raise-22381789
- Dido Harding's husband is John Penrose, the former gambling minister whose voting record is pretty kind to the industry, to say the least. https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/11924/john_penrose/weston-super-mare/divisions?policy=810
- Here's more from Guido Fawkes on John Penrose and the gambling industry. https://order-order.com/2016/02/24/back-scratching-the-bookies-and-the-politician/
A major battle over the future of gambling regulation is coming up. It will likely define the future of laws governing the industry, potentially for decades.
Reformists would likely have counted on having Public Health England on their side. They'll be less confident now.
Reformists would likely have counted on having Public Health England on their side. They'll be less confident now.
