A GREAT deal of anger will be caused if Birmingham is denied a huge super-casino by Blackpool, city MP Roger Godsiff said today.
Mr Godsiff, Labour MP for Sparkbrook and Small Heath, who is battling on behalf of the Birmingham City stadium bid, said: "In my opinion, it would be very unfair if the second city in the country is denied a regional casino.
"I understand that Blackpool needs regeneration, but if they deny the second city in the UK a casino then there will be a lot of anger, and Birmingham will feel with some justification that it has been slighted.
"I have spoken to Karren Brady and I am very supportive of the Birmingham City plans.
"I am not a great one for football clubs relocating, but if it is relocating within the same community, I am quite relaxed about it, and it is an area which needs regeneration down there.
"I will continue to advocate the Birmingham City case. It is a tough fight if the goalposts stay as they are, but there is no guarantee the situation will stay the same for ever and a day."
Meanwhile, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it would lobby hard for a West Midland super casino against rival UK bids.
Chamber Press and PR Manager John Lamb said: "It would be a great pity if this super casino was lost to Birmingham. Both the Birmingham City and the NEC schemes have got merits.
"The worst situation would be if it went to Blackpool and the scheme flopped. It should go to the region with the best chance of making it successful.
"If we need to lobby, then organisations like the Chamber would be involved in lobbying on behalf of the entire region."
Lorely Burt, Liberal Democrat MP for Solihull, said: "From a jobs point of view, this is obviously worth looking at although the NEC is not exactly regeneration land. At present, I am reserving my judgement."
