The new Speaker of the House Mr John Bercow was reported yesterday on the Bingo Supermarket news as being a signature on the Early Day Motion to raise the tax issue in Parliament. Yesterday the industry was celebrating the fact that the EDM had reached 100 and now had to be debated on the Parliament floor. Unfortunately, due to the new role Mr Bercow had to withdraw his signature taking the tally back down to 99.

The Bingo industry was naturally disappointed with the news but fortunately another 5 MPs have stepped in and signed the EDM much to the delight of the bingo Association members.

House rules state that government ministers are not allowed to sign the early day motion and most ministers appear to be defending the tax hike. Yvette Cooper MP for Castleford and Minister for Work and pensions has so far avoided the local bingo clubs in her constituency and has publically defended the hike by arguing the industry is in a slightly better position than it was before the budget.

However a report in the local press for Northshields in Tyneside, Mr Alan Campbell MP has said "I am concerned that the model used to calculate the tax changes does not take into account the precarious position of smaller clubs, I am lobbying the Government to look at these changes". This is the first statement from a high ranking Government Minister that seems to be fighting the cause for bingo clubs. It is hoped that more Ministers find the confidence to speak out.