The row between the cities of Manchester and Blackpool surrounding the award of the super casino license to the former has escalated.

Blackpool MPs are among 81 MPs who have signed a Parliamentary motion asking for the decision announced by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to be reconsidered.

The Parliamentary motion, lodged by Blackpool North MP Joan Humble, calls on the government to reconvene the expert scrutiny committee of members of both Houses of Parliament which examined the draft gambling bill.
 
Gordon Marsden. MP for Blackpool South said “virtually all” the members of the scrutiny committee “believe that the panel has not fulfilled its remit against the criteria that both government and parliament set down for it.”

Conservative peer Lord Mancroft, a member of the scrutiny committee, said unless the government makes some concession, it will struggle to get Parliament's approval for the Manchester casino.
 
Reacting to the announcement Leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese said he was "concerned and surprised" at MPs and peers criticism of the panel's decision as both houses agreed to the establishment of the advisory panel.
 
The issue is set to rumble on until a vote is taken on the proposal. Worth millions of pounds to the winning city it is an issue which may see divisions deepen even further before a final definitive outcome is reached.