UK music organisations welcome new government with pleas for policy

Britain will have a new government this morning after Labour won a landslide general election victory. British musical organs were quick to welcome the new administration but also reminded it of its key policy demands.

“UK Music congratulates Sir Keir Starmer and his team on their election victory, which gives his new government a strong mandate to deliver change,” said Tom Kiehl, chief executive of industry body UK Music.

“The incoming Labour government was elected on a platform of implementing a plan for the creative industries as part of its industrial strategy. The potential of the UK music industry to contribute to growth must be at the heart of that plan,” he continued.

Ahead of the election, UK Music published an open letter to all political parties outlining its wish list, including regulating artificial intelligence, tackling the problems Brexit has caused for touring artists, music production tax relief, more funding for music education and tackling “unfair secondary ticketing practices”.

(The latter is trying to force an open door, as Labour promised before the election that if it came to power it would introduce caps on resale prices and more regulation on secondary ticket sales.)

“Congratulations to the new Labour Government – ​​we look forward to working together to promote our world-leading music industry. In line with the priorities set during the campaign, we share the ambition to enable human creativity to flourish, underpinned by a strong intellectual property framework and commitments to supporting creative education,” said BPI Chief Executive Dr Jo Twist.

“These statements are closely aligned with the five priorities we set out earlier this year. Only by engaging constructively with industry will the government deliver on these commitments for the benefit of our collective creative industries.”

Gee Davy, acting chief executive and head of policy at independent organisation AIM, also congratulated the new government and set out her organisation’s policy demands this morning.

“Key measures will include finally putting music on an equal footing with film and games in creators’ tax relief to encourage investment in our global music scene in the UK, opening up apprenticeship opportunities for small businesses and encouraging responsible development in AI that protects and supports British music and musicians,” Davy said.

“We encourage all MPs to reflect on the important place music holds in their lives and in their constituencies, and we count on their support for the independent music businesses and creative professionals who are vital to the future of great and diverse British music.”

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), followed suit, calling on the new government to give the live music industry “urgent attention to rebuild after years of neglect caused by the cost of living crisis and the pandemic”.

“Our sector needs to rebuild trust in the new government, after years of feeling misunderstood and undervalued, we need to work to change the narrative around the value of the night-time economy, ensure stronger representation at all levels and create a more integrated regulatory system. We also need to address tax disparities, reform business rates, protect independent operators and bring VAT into line with European standards,” he continued.

The NTIA would also like the new government to appoint a dedicated “Night-Time Economy Minister” and implement a “heritage protection programme for cultural sites and spaces” across the UK.