Opened the debate
Ian Murray emphasised the importance of national museums in fostering pride and education in the UK, noting that the Government is committed to ensuring access to these institutions for everyone, regardless of background or location. He highlighted the financial contribution of national museums to the economy, with seven of the UK's ten most visited museums being national museums, attracting millions of visitors annually. Despite the potential benefits of charging overseas visitors, the Government decided not to pursue a change in policy towards universal free entry, but will use the findings to inform the upcoming Museums Plan, which aims to support a thriving and sustainable sector that supports growth in every postcode and opportunity for all.