LIB DEMS DEMAND URGENT ACTION FROM STEVE REED MP OVER LAMBETH’S CASINO LICENCE PLANS
Lambeth Liberal Democrats have written to Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, as well as MP for Streatham and Croydon North, demanding urgent action over Lambeth Council’s move to scrap its long-standing “no casino” rule. This comes as Lambeth’s Labour-controlled Licensing Committee recommended removing the “no casino” rule at its meeting yesterday afternoon. It will go to the Full Council for sign-off next week.
The Liberal Democrat intervention comes as Labour-run Lambeth opens the door to new casino licences, despite growing concern from residents about the impact of gambling on high streets and vulnerable communities.
The Liberal Democrats say the situation exposes a stark contradiction in Labour’s position. At the same time that Lambeth Labour are pushing to abolish the ban, Steve Reed has called for tighter gambling controls in neighbouring Croydon, including supporting a public petition against the spread of betting and casino premises.
Lambeth Liberal Democrats are now demanding to know why Mr Reed is willing to speak out in Croydon but remains silent on Lambeth, where he is the local MP and a senior figure in the Labour government.
Cllr Donna Harris, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group in Lambeth, said:
“Steve Reed cannot have it both ways. He cannot campaign against gambling expansion in Croydon, while turning a blind eye as his own party opens the door to casinos here in Lambeth.”
“As MP for Streatham and a Cabinet minister, he has a responsibility to stand up for all his constituents — not just when it is politically convenient. Lambeth residents deserve clarity, leadership and protection from policies that risk increasing harm in our communities.”
The Liberal Democrats also highlighted that this is not a new concern. At the last Full Council meeting in January, Liberal Democrat Councillors tabled a motion on licensing and gambling. They called for the “no casino” resolution to be retained, as a bedrock of public health protection, affirming it as an undertaking to the public that gambling harms are understood and taken seriously. They called for stronger safeguards and greater accountability in how gambling policy is applied in Lambeth, reflecting their long-standing view that existing protections for residents are insufficient and must be strengthened, not diluted.
The Liberal Democrats say Labour’s efforts to drop the “no casino” rule would roll back hard-won protections for residents, at a time when existing safeguards are already failing to adequately protect communities. They warn Lambeth does not need policies that weaken an already fragile system, putting residents’ safety and wellbeing at greater risk.
Lambeth Liberal Democrats are calling on Steve Reed MP publicly to oppose the removal of the “no casino” rule. They want him to explain why Labour’s approach to gambling appears to change depending on which borough is involved.
Notes to Readers:
The Liberal Democrat motion on gambling is available as motion 3 in the papers for Full Council on 21 January 2026:
Letter to Steve Reed follows:
Councillor Donna Harris
Leader, Liberal Democrat Group
London Borough of Lambeth
20 February 2026
Dear Steve,
Lambeth “No Casino” Resolution
I am writing to you in your roles as MP for Streatham and Croydon North, and as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to raise serious concerns about Lambeth Council’s decision to move towards dropping its long-standing “no casino” resolution.
Lambeth Liberal Democrats believe this represents a significant risk to our communities, particularly at a time when many residents are already facing financial pressure and when the social harms associated with gambling are well documented. The prospect of weakening existing safeguards is deeply troubling.
I am also concerned by the inconsistency between Labour’s position in Lambeth and your own public stance in neighbouring Croydon, where you have rightly called for stronger controls on gambling and supported a petition opposing the spread of betting and casino premises. Lambeth residents deserve to understand why such protections are being promoted elsewhere, yet appear to be disregarded here — in the borough you represent in Parliament.
At the last Full Council meeting in January, Liberal Democrat Councillors tabled a motion on licensing and gambling. We called for the “no casino” resolution to be retained, as a bedrock of public health protection, affirming it as an undertaking to the public that gambling harms are understood and taken seriously. We called for stronger safeguards and greater accountability in how gambling policy is applied in Lambeth. This reflects our long-standing view that existing protections for residents are already insufficient and must be strengthened, not diluted.
The Council’s current direction risks further weakening an already inadequate system, undermining years of work that even now does not go far enough to keep residents safe. Lambeth does not need policies that increase exposure to gambling-related harm or place additional pressure on vulnerable communities.
As a Cabinet minister and as MP for Streatham and Croydon North, you have a responsibility to stand up for all your constituents. I am therefore asking you to set out your position clearly and publicly, and to explain whether you support the removal of Lambeth’s “no casino” resolution or whether you will oppose it, as you have done in Croydon.
I would welcome your response and hope you will engage constructively on this issue, which is of significant concern to residents across the borough.
I look forward to hearing from you.
With all best wishes,
Councillor Donna Harris
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Council Group
Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA