BGC Welcomes Appointment of Nigel Huddleston MP

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a statement welcoming the appointment of Nigel Huddleston MP as the new Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Huddleston brings prior experience from his time as Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, a role in which he engaged directly with the betting and gaming industry.

According to the BGC, Huddleston has demonstrated a commitment to evidence-based policymaking and maintained open dialogue with both industry representatives and wider stakeholders. The Council also acknowledged the contributions of Stuart Andrew MP, who has now been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Health. Andrew previously held a ministerial position at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), where his work focused on consumer protection and standards within the regulated gambling sector.

The BGC reiterated the economic role of the regulated igaming and betting industry in the UK, which supports approximately 109,000 jobs, contributes £6.8 billion to the economy, and generates £4 billion in tax revenue. The sector also provides substantial funding to sports including horse racing, football, snooker and rugby league.

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “We warmly welcome Nigel Huddleston MP to his new role. He knows our industry well and has always championed evidence-based policy and open dialogue. We look forward to working with him and his team on the important issues facing our sector, from supporting sport and high street jobs to promoting safer gambling.

We’d also like to thank Stuart Andrew MP for his constructive engagement and wish him every success in his new role at the Department of Health.”