I was proud to join Brent councillors, local campaigners, fellow MPs and activist Bianca Jagger at Downing Street to deliver our message directly to Government about the urgent need for action on the spread of gambling shops in Brent.
This is an issue that both Brent Council and I have been campaigning on for a long time because too many communities across our borough are seeing their high streets dominated by betting shops and adult gaming centres, often at the expense of local businesses and community spaces.
For years, local residents have raised concerns about the impact gambling harm has on families and communities, while councils have had far too few powers to stop the clustering of these venues on our high streets, targetting areas of deprevation. That is why this campaign for tangible change is so important.
I will continue working with campaigners, councillors and colleagues in Parliament to push to scrap “aim to permit” powers and protect our local communities, so we can properly invest into our high streets and ensure they work for residents, families and independent businesses once again.