Bexleyheath and Crayford's MP says politicians have a "duty to protect the most vulnerable" as the government is set to introduce a cut on fixed-odds betting terminals six months earlier than intended.

Sir David Evennett said this as he supported amendments to the Finance Bill to bring forward the reduction of the maximum stake for fixed-odds betting terminals from October 2019 to April.

The current maximum stake for these machines is £100 but the new amendment will see this reduced to £2.

The changes follow a 12-week public consultation in which respondents overwhelmingly supported a significant reduction in FOBT stakes.

A statement was released by culture secretary Jeremy Wright in which he said: "The government has been clear that protecting vulnerable people is the prime concern, but that as a responsible government it is also right to take the needs of those employed by the gambling industry into account and provide time for an orderly transition.

"Parliament has, however, been clear that they want this change to be made sooner. The Government has listened and will now implement the reduction in April 2019."

On the announcement, Sir David commented: "We have a duty to protect the most vulnerable who are exposed to significant losses, which can cause harm to both the individual and their families.

"I therefore fully support these amendments and believe leaving the maximum stake at £100 until next October is unacceptable."

The British Amusement Catering Trade Association has said it "welcomes" the implementation of the £2 stake limit with CEO John White adding: "This is a victory for common sense. The right decision has been reached, one that is an important step towards reducing gambling related harm."