There are currently fewer than 600 bingo clubs in the UK. Over 60 have closed in the last two years. The situation for many of the others is bleak. While factors such as the smoking ban have played a part in the decline, the main concern is taxation.
The recent decision to introduce duty increases from 15% to 22% on bingo is wholly misguided and will put our local bingo halls under further financial pressure.
Voting on last month's finance bill the Liberal Democrats were the only major party to back a move to halt the increase in bingo duty.
Along with a number of other Liberal Democrat MP's, Lorely Burt has signed a Downing Street petition urging the Prime Minister not to increase duty on this popular British pursuit.
Follow the party's activity on...