Miliband Calls Numbers At Tyneside Bingo Hall

Mecca Bingo chief invites David Miliband to bingo club in South Shields.

Players at a South Tyneside bingo hall were treated to the unexpected sight of David Miliband moonlighting as a bingo caller last week.

The foreign secretary was invited to the South Shields venue by Mecca Bingo chief executive Ian Burke, who is campaigning for tax reforms to benefit the bingo industry, the Shields Gazette reports.

After speaking with Mr Burke, Mr Miliband joined in by completing a short stint as the bingo caller in a free game for members.

"I was delighted to visit Mecca Bingo. A number of important issues have been raised and I will be taking these back to the chancellor of the exchequer," he told the newspaper.

"However, I think I'll be sticking to my day job and leaving the calling to the experts."

Members of the bingo industry have asked the government to alter its tax regime for bingo halls, as firms are currently required to pay VAT and a further 15 per cent tax on gross profits.

Liberal Democrat MP John Yardley recently raised the issue for debate in parliament.