Lord Trees commented: "My Lords, I will try to be very brief as I am very aware of the time, but want to support these regulations, which simply extend the reach of the levy to include offshore betting and which, in my opinion, quite simply right a wrong. One of the major benefits of the levy in the past has been, as I hope it will be in the future, the support it gives to equine veterinary science, research and education. Here I declare an interest as a former head of a veterinary school. Over the past 15 years, something like £32 million has been contributed by the levy to research and education. It has led to real improvements in the health and safety of horses, to a reduction in injuries, and to the prevention of infectious disease and many other facets of ill health. It has also contributed to the education of equine specialists, ensuring that here in the UK we are a global leader in equine healthcare. 

"I emphasise that that support is important because there are very few other sources of support for funding equine research. The research councils generally do not do it. In summary, this legislation corrects an unfair anomaly and makes eminent sense. By restoring and maintaining the support for equine veterinary research, education and disease surveillance, it will contribute widely to equine health and welfare in general. In particular, it will help ensure the health of the racehorses on which both the racing industry and, ergo, the racing betting industry depend."

Following the conclusion of the UK Parliamentary process to implement the extension of the Levy to offshore digital betting operators, Will Lambe, Director of Corporate Affairs at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said: “Today, British racing has moved a significant step closer to achieving a fair, enforceable and sustainable return from all betting activity on the sport. This has been the result of a sustained campaign for a number of years.

“We appreciate enormously the support that Parliamentarians across the political spectrum have provided to our unique and multi-billion pound industry. Parliament has made clear its will that the funding of British racing should be supported by legislation that reflects fully today’s digital economy.

“We now await the anticipated European Commission clearance, as the final formal step in the process and which will secure the new Levy and have a transformative effect on our sport, in particular its grassroots and our tens of thousands of employees. We look forward to working with our partners in the betting industry and beyond to grow interest and participation in our sport.”