Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris has described as "shameful" the actions of Labour MPs at Westminster for failing to stand up for fair taxes on bingo clubs. The SNP today (Wednesday) lodged an amendment to the Finance Bill in the House of Commons which would have brought Bingo tax into line with other forms of gaming. Labour MPs voted the amendment down in favour of high tax and double standards for the bingo sector.

Bingo clubs are currently hit with a 22 % levy while other gaming activities are taxed at 15%. The industry has suffered under the weight of unfair taxation which has contributed to the closure of 31 clubs in 2008/09.

Speaking in Glasgow today, Mr Doris commented: "I have been campaigning against this unfair practice for over two years and I have not heard a scrap of evidence to suggest that higher tax levies for bingo is anything other than discrimination. The UK Government has only recently, and under duress, changed the unfair rules on VAT for bingo. Now they are finding another way to hike taxes for bingo. Labour MPs seem determined to hammer the bingo clubs of Scotland.

"It is fundamentally wrong that the tax system is designed to favour the casinos and bookmakers, the areas of the gaming industry most associated with problem gambling.

"I hold surgeries at my local bingo club and I know these clubs are an important centre in the social life of the community. Gordon Brown’s tax puts them at risk of closure and this could mean not just less to do in the area but also job losses at a time when people are struggling to get by."