Rebellion to bring new retreat over casinos

Further Government concessions over its Gambling Bill looked certain today after rebel Labour MPs slashed Tony Blair's majority in Parliament.

Fresh curbs on the gambling revolution, including a " flexible cap" on the number of super-casinos, were likely as ministers took in the scale of backbench opposition to the plans.

London MPs led the Labour rebellion as the Government's majority was cut by half on the second reading of the controversial legislation to reform Britain's gaming laws. The Gambling Bill was passed by 286 to 212, a majority of 74.

Only 29 Labour backbenchers voted with the Tories and Liberal Democrats, but scores of others stayed away.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell offered two minor concessions, including tightening planning rules and forcing councils to consult local residents over casino licence applications.

But with just 286 Labour MPs out of a total of 407 voting with the Government, Ms Jowell is facing a much bigger rebellion unless she offers more concessions before the Bill's committee-stage. Eight Labour backbenchers from the South-East voted against the Bill: Frank Dobson, Kate Hoey, Brian Sedgemore, Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell, Kelvin Hopkins, Alan Hurst and Andrew Mackinlay.