Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Music Streaming Label-led Principles 2025-07-22

22 July 2025 · 8 other contributors

Opened by The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Chris Bryant

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism raised concerns about music streaming label-led principles 2025-07-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK record labels have agreed to new measures to boost earnings for legacy artists, songwriters, and session musicians.
  • The Government will more than double funding for the music industry to 10 million annually for the next three years.
  • New principles adopted by the industry aim to improve the remuneration of artists in the music sector.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism

With pleasure I announce today an important milestone: UK record labels have agreed to new measures that will boost the earnings of legacy artists, songwriters and session musicians. The Government’s progress with industry on the remuneration of artists in the music sector is key to our economic future as well. Our new music growth package will more than double Government funding for the industry to £10 million annually for the next three years. Central to this are new principles adopted by the British Phonographic Industry and the Association of Independent Music, which will deliver tens of millions of pounds of new investment to support UK artists by 2030. This includes disregarding unrecouped advances, bespoke support to increase streaming engagement, per diem payments for songwriters, increased session fees for musicians, and a commitment to reviewing their income from broadcast and public performance.

Other contributors (8)
  • Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup

    Question

    What consequences will there be for labels that fail to comply with the new principles, what percentage of artists does he believe will benefit from today’s announcement, and will the Government commit to reviewing these reforms within 18 months?

    Minister reply

    I am absolutely confident that all the labels involved will adopt the principles because they have been part of the negotiating process. If any legacy artist wants to renegotiate their contract, they will have a chance to do so. I assure the House that we are committed to monitoring progress closely and assessing the need for further intervention.

  • Paul Waugh Lab/Co-op Rochdale

    Question

    Can the Minister explain what further powers the Government holds if these industry-led measures fall short?

    Minister reply

    I have had face-to-face conversations with all major record labels’ chief executives, and they are committed to delivering on this. We will be looking at how legacy artists can renegotiate their contracts and included an appeals process in case of dissatisfaction. If significant issues arise by the autumn, we will revisit this matter.

  • Victoria Collins LD Harpenden and Berkhamsted

    Question

    What confidence do we have that these principles will lead to a more equitable distribution of streaming revenue? What guarantees are there for consistency across the industry?

    Minister reply

    I am confident in the record labels' commitment. They are determined to revitalise legacy work, wipe off unrecouped balances, and ensure future earnings growth. The Government should not write contracts; we want to rebalance the equation so it benefits musicians more.

  • Samantha Niblett Lab South Derbyshire

    Question

    What are the timeframes for discussions with session musicians on recognition?

    Minister reply

    I will be getting the BPI and Musicians’ Union together to discuss this matter in the first couple of weeks of September.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    What protection do performers have against their tracks being uploaded to services like YouTube without remuneration?

    Minister reply

    YouTube is one of the streaming outlets where people are remunerated. If copyright is breached, it is an offence and should be pursued by record labels on behalf of artists.

  • Sureena Brackenridge Lab Wolverhampton North East

    Question

    How will the changes ensure fair benefit for all artists, including legacy performers, session musicians, and those outside major labels? What steps will be taken to enforce industry-wide implementation?

    Minister reply

    We are committed to ensuring that all artists receive fair remuneration. We have included an appeals process in case of dissatisfaction with renegotiations. If voluntary measures fail, we will revisit this matter.

  • Unidentified Member

    Question

    From the Newtown Neurotics to Don’t Worry and The Subways, Harlow has always had a vibrant music scene. What plans does the Minister have to engage with artists at all stages of their careers to ensure that these welcome changes provide meaningful improvement?

    Minister reply

    No answer provided in the given text.

Shadow Comment

Mr Louie French

While the Opposition share concern about whether artists receive a fair deal in this delicate ecosystem, they criticise the lack of action taken by the previous Conservative Government. The CMA found no evidence of publishing revenues being suppressed, but concerns remain around AI's impact on creators and publishers. The shadow Secretary calls for assurances that labels will face consequences if they fail to comply with the new principles, questions what percentage of artists will benefit from today’s announcement, and asks if the Government will commit to reviewing these reforms within 18 months.

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