Bacta meet with the Minister as engagement campaign continues

Bacta is continuing its progressive political engagement campaign meeting with Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross in the week that MPs returned to Parliament.
On Wednesday 3rd September, Bacta President Joseph Cullis and Director of Communications Allaster Gair met the Minister at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in Parliament Street, London.

Outlining the importance of being able to engage with the Minister, Joseph Cullis reflected: “I was delighted to meet with Baroness Twycross and to have an open, constructive discussion on the big issues impacting our members inland and at the coast. We covered player protection, MGD and the 80/20 rule.

“What has struck me in all my dealings with Baroness Twycross is her pragmatic approach to building a modern and socially responsible industry. That is very much Bacta’s vision too.

Putting the latest meetings into the context of Bacta’s wider engagement campaign, Allaster Gair explained: “The summer recess saw us launch a programme of visits across the country, backed by independent polling showing the public’s strong support for our venues as anchors of seaside towns.

“Engaging frankly and regularly with the Minister is essential. Bacta has to be open about the pressures our sector faces and honest about the improvements we are making. That is the basis of a constructive relationship and one we intend to build on through the party conference season and beyond.”

The Association will continue to champion members’ interests at the upcoming Labour Party Conference in Liverpool (28 September–1 October), where its campaign on player protection, fair taxation and coastal regeneration will be a central focus.

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11 September 2025

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