Michael Dugher, CEO of UK Music, has written to political party leaders to urge them to support measures in their manifestos that will secure the future of Britain’s world-leading music industry.
His letter includes requests for support, within party manifestos, for young people’s educational opportunities as well as for music entrepreneurs, ahead of the forthcoming General Election, which takes place on 12 December.
UK Music, which represents the UK’s commercial music industry, consulted with stakeholders across the music business, which contributes billions of pounds to the UK’s economy every year, on the key issue that must be addressed by the next Parliament.
Game-changing general election
Michael Dugher said:
‘The UK music industry supports well over hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributes a massive amount to both the British economy and our cultural life.
‘This General Election could be game-changing for all sorts of reasons and I’m determined to make sure that the voice of our vibrant and diverse music industry is heard loud and clear – whoever ends up in Downing Street.
‘Whilst the British music industry continues to be a world-leader and British music gives pleasure to millions, there are several critical steps our policymakers could and should take to help creators and to music businesses keep growing.
‘We have set out some steps that the next government should take to back the British music industry at home and overseas to help us protect the talent pipeline of the future. That means doing a lot more to provide opportunities, including in education, for young people from all backgrounds.
‘Other measures include ensuring that there are more financial incentives, including via the tax system, to help support the industry, as well as providing better copyright protection for music creators so that creators and investors, who are too often exploited by big tech, receive fair rewards for their content.
‘We also want to see proposals to protect our cherished grassroots music venues through action to deal with soaring business rates bills and a plan to help artists grow their overseas audiences.’
