Burnham needs to beef up powers otherwise his plan could go up in a puff of smoke

[EMBARGO: 2230 Monday 10th August 2026]

Burnham needs to beef up powers otherwise his plan could go up in a puff of smoke

Responding to Andy Burnham’s plan to crack down on vape and betting shops on high streets, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Max Wilkinson MP said:

“Unless he beefs up powers to properly crackdown on cowboy vape shops and dodgy operators, Burnham’s plan could go up in a puff of smoke.

“Our High Streets are in crisis, so rolling the dice and keeping his fingers crossed these minor changes are enough simply won’t win the hand. He should scrap the failed business rates system and urgently give sweeping new powers to councils so high streets can prosper and trading standards officers can permanently shut repeat offenders.”

ENDS