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UK Government Donors Profit from Casino Expansion1 April 2002LONDON – As reported by the Scotsman Online: "Tony Blair has come under fresh attack for his links with business magnates, as it emerged that two of Labour's most generous donors stand to profit from the proposed deregulation of casinos. "The party is understood to have received about £170,000 (US$245,031) while the gambling industry was arguing the case for Las Vegas-style casinos. "This was granted last week, as the Prime Minister approved plans which will allow a new generation of British amusement complexes combining casinos, bars and amusement arcades. "It has emerged that Peter Coates, whose several business interests include Provincial Racing, Britain's sixth largest privately-owned betting company, has given about £150,000 (US$216,195) to the Labour Party. "…He is understood to have personally donated up to £100,000 (US$144,130). "…The second gambling link to Labour is Citygrove Leisure, a London-based property company which has donated £2,500 (US$3,603) to the party each year since 1995. This increased to £5,000 (US$7,207) in both 1999 and 2000. "The company has recently turned its attention to seaside developments and is ideally placed for building the type of casino complexes being made legal. "…`These matters were disclosed at the time in the spirit of greater openness,' [a Labour spokesman] said. `There is absolutely no link between the donations and government decisions.' "He added that the deregulation of Britain's casinos is being done at the recommendation of an independent report - and to warm applause from the Conservatives. "…While there is no suggestion that either Mr Coates or Citygrove Leisure directly lobbied the government, they represent yet more Labour donors profiting through government policy changes…" |