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Labour victory heralds a new era for the UK music industry
July5
In a sweeping election victory, the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has secured a commanding
In a sweeping election victory, the Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has secured a commanding majority, marking a seismic shift in the UK`s political landscape.
Sir Keir Starmer, the incoming Prime Minister, has pledged to commence his promised changes immediately. Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has extended his congratulations and is expected to formally resign to the King shortly.
In the wake of this political upheaval, the music industry is poised for potential revitalization under the new Labour government. UK LIVE, a prominent voice in the live music sector, expressed optimism about collaborating with Labour to enhance the creative industries` role in national renewal, economic growth, and the UK`s global reputation. The live music sector, which generated over £6 billion in 2023, has not experienced uniform growth, with grassroots music struggling to keep pace.
UK LIVE is urging the new government to implement the Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee`s recommendations, including a review of the VAT rate on live music tickets and measures to support grassroots music venues. The organization also hopes to facilitate international touring for UK artists and crack down on ticket touts, prioritizing fans` interests.
UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl congratulated Sir Keir Starmer, emphasizing the Prime Minister`s deep passion for music. Kiehl called on Starmer to leverage his electoral mandate to boost jobs, growth, and opportunities in the music sector. He highlighted the industry`s significant contributions, with nearly £7 billion added to the UK economy annually and over 210,000 jobs supported.
Kiehl also underscored the importance of a long-term music strategy aligned with Labour`s goal of achieving the highest sustained growth among G7 nations. He noted Labour`s pre-election commitments to address barriers for UK musicians touring the EU and tackling ticket touting issues. Kiehl stressed the need to reverse the decline in music education, which has seen the loss of 1,000 music teachers since 2012, threatening the talent pipeline.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), echoed these sentiments, welcoming the Labour government and emphasizing the importance of the night-time economy to the UK`s cultural and economic fabric. Kill called for the appointment of a dedicated Minister for the Night Time Economy and urged the government to rebuild trust, reform business rates, and protect independent operators.
The new Labour government faces significant challenges but also holds the promise of transformative change for the music and night-time industries. With strategic support and collaboration, the UK can look forward to a vibrant future for its creative sectors, benefiting communities and driving economic growth.
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