Bettting checks could put Doncaster Racecourse, favourite of PM, at risk, says MP
Hated new betting checks could put Doncaster Racecourse - a favourite of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Victoria - at risk, a city MP has said.
Hated new betting checks could put Doncaster Racecourse - a favourite of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Lady Victoria - at risk, a city MP has said.
Sir Keir hailed his wife’s “close connection” with Doncaster - her home town - soon after he became PM.
But Doncaster Central Labour MP Sally Jameson has urged him him to rethink “intrusive and unreliable” affordability checks on gambling, which could put racecourses at risk, according to national reports.
The Sun says so called “Financial Risk Assessments” were said to be “frictionless” with no documentation needed for most.
But bookies claim data from credit reference agencies in a trial was so inconsistent they will have to demand bank statements and payslips from twice as many punters as thought.
Ms Jameson said the FRAs must be “proportionate and based on evidence” and not drive people to the black market, which will cost the industry vital revenue.
Visiting Doncaster Racecourse in 2024, Sir Keir said: “The thrill of the St Leger is no stranger to us.”
This year is the classic race’s 250th anniversary.
Ms Jameson, Doncaster Central MP, added: “It will showcase the very best of British racing, its history, its energy and its value to communities like ours.
“We should be backing that success, not putting it at risk,” The Sun reported.
The new checks could be signed off by the Gambling Commission this month.
A government spokesperson said FRAs “would only be targeted at customers experiencing high levels of financial loss”.
In 2024, the PM had abuse hurled at him as he walked through the parade ring with his wife.
WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE
Footage appeared to show the PM laughing off the abuse as a group of racegoers chanted insults at him.
The clip, shot by St Leger-goer Amanda Teasdale, showed Sir Keir and his wife Victoria flanked by security as they made their way to the seats in the Grandstand.
Several members of the crowd can be heard chanting “w***er” at him while another hurls an insult about pensioners, referencing Labour’s controversial cut to winter fuel allowances for millions of OAPs.
As the party make their way up the stairs, a chorus of boos can be heard directed towards Sir Keir.
Sir Keir and his wife have strong Doncaster connections and have been regular visitors to Town Moor over the years.
Sir Keir’s wife Victoria comes from Doncaster and his late mother in law Barbara lived in the town before her death in February 2020.
The same year, he returned to Doncaster to make a key speech outside the city’s then unfinished Danum Gallery, Library and Museum on Chequer Road.
Arriving accomanied by Doncaster’s mayor Ros Jones, he opened his speech outlining his Doncaster connections, in front of the facade of what was once the Doncaster Girls High School.
He said: “I’m delighted that we’re here in Doncaster. My wife’s mum was born and grew up here – just next to the racecourse. We’re regulars here. Visiting family friends but also to go to the Leger.”
He married Victoria in 2007 – and during the election campaign, he shared a photo of his wedding day as he spoke about his background, making reference to his Doncaster family connections.