Public broadcaster Channel 4 is facing pressure from Labour MP Alex Sobel to stop airing betting companies’ ads across its platforms as the government ponders an outright ban.

Making the request in an official letter to Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, the Leeds Central and Headingley MP has called for the change after numerous polls indicate that the majority of the UK public would support an outright ban.

Mr Mahon’s has targeted Channel 4 as it is based within his constituency and is the only public broadcaster to carry gambling ads. Studies have shown these contribute to harmful gambling addictions, which have been proliferated by the easy availability of online betting over the last decade.

“The majority of the UK public support a full ban on gambling advertising. I am asking that you consider a full ban on gambling advertising on Channel 4,” the letter read.