INVERCLYDE’S MP is set to lead a Westminster debate today highlighting harm caused by gambling advertising in sport and the ‘urgent’ need for reform.

Ronnie Cowan, who is the vice-chair of the all party parliamentary group on gambling-related harm, will raise the growing issue of children gambling, and push for the recognition of gambling as a health issue.

It is estimated that 80,000 UK children are addicted or at risk of gambling, on top of the up to 1.4 million UK adults who are harmed directly by it.

Mr Cowan said: “The UK Government must finally step up and address the growing issue of gambling advertising in sport.

"Implementing urgent reforms to tackle the growing problem of child gambling, and developing a comprehensive strategy across UK Government departments, is the least the Tories should be doing.

“It is simply not enough to ban gambling advertisements from the shirts of Premier League teams. All gambling advertisements must be banned, much in the same way that we banned tobacco advertising.

“The UK Government must listen to cross party MPs, as well as organisations such as Gambling with Lives and the testimony of gambling addicts, who are all calling for the reform of regulation and further support those affected.

“We need to respect the fact that some people may be triggered by gambling adverts, and we need to protect our children.

"We must act, and act now."