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Covid-19: Cultural and Entertainment Sectors
02 March 2021
Lead MP
Caroline Dinenage
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
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Other Contributors: 63
At a Glance
Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about covid-19: cultural and entertainment sectors in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK has a world-class cultural sector that enriches our lives. The Government's £1.57 billion culture recovery fund supports organisations across the country, with particular emphasis on small local establishments. The Prime Minister's cautious roadmap out of lockdown includes phases for reopening venues and events safely. The Chancellor will announce additional support in his Budget tomorrow.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The cultural sectors have been disheartened by the pandemic, especially those without properties or grants, such as Scottish dancing and piping. A restart grant is needed to help these activities resume.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Entertainers and venues have been severely impacted by the pandemic. Creative tax relief for artists, similar to that in the Republic of Ireland, could be beneficial. Extending VAT rate reductions on ticket sales can help venues survive.
Jo Stevens
Lab
Cardiff East
The Opposition believe that our cultural sector is integral to our national recovery from this crisis, and that it also has a key role to play in shaping the kind of society that we want to see in the future. But to do that, the jobs, skills and talent need to survive and be supported. In the most recent Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport annual report, the Secretary of State talks about preserving our cultural heritage, but our culture is not something to be preserved in aspic. Instead, it is a sector that is built on people and their dynamic connections with one another. It is this misunderstanding that lies behind the lack of appropriate provision to support the brilliant professionals in the sector, hundreds of thousands of whom have fallen through the gaps because of the Chancellor’s rigid criteria for support.
Eleanor Laing
Con
It is very good to see the hon. Lady back at the Dispatch Box and fully back to health, and we all wish her well.
John Nicolson
SNP
Nairn, Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye
Freelance workers in the arts and culture sector have faced significant challenges due to technicalities that prevented them from qualifying for government schemes. Musicians, in particular, are struggling with long-term worries about income viability post-covid and the impact of Brexit on their ability to work across Europe. The Government must ensure support extends beyond immediate recovery.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Epping Forest
Set a time limit of three minutes for backbench speeches during the debate, ensuring an efficient flow of contributions while addressing the topic of support for cultural and entertainment sectors.
Adam Holloway
Con
West Bromwich West
Despite Government financial efforts, many in the culture and entertainment sector have been unable to access necessary support due to working arrangements. The aim has been to save jobs with limited resources but everyone will eventually contribute towards debt repayment, including those who did not receive support.
Margaret Hodge
Lab
Battersea
Proudly declared an interest in theatre, highlighting the resilience of theatres amidst the pandemic. Emphasised that government support must focus more on people rather than buildings and stressed the importance of public investment in freelance workers to prevent a loss of creative talent.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Epping Forest
Briefly acknowledged the contribution made by Margaret Hodge's theatre during her tenure as an MP.
Scott Benton
Cons
Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Congratulated the Government on the vaccination roll-out progress, emphasising the continued need for financial support to businesses in Blackpool until reopening. Also highlighted the importance of extending VAT reduction and business rates freeze for a further 12 months.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Called on the Chancellor to amend criteria that exclude freelance musicians and artists from support, proposed an insurance intervention to revive live music events, highlighted the negative consequences of no-deal Brexit for touring artists, and suggested reforms in favour of creators regarding streaming economics.
Giles Watling
Con
Eastleigh
Stressed the importance of supporting the cultural sector through continued support schemes like SEISS and CJRS. Emphasised the need for an insurance scheme to provide confidence to producers and highlighted the significant economic contribution of the creative industries.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
It has been estimated that as much as 60% of some towns’ economic output comes directly from the night-time industry. The findings from a recent inquiry by the all-party parliamentary group for the night time economy highlight just how devastating an impact the pandemic has had in this sector. In some cases, businesses are trading at a mere 10% of their pre-covid turnovers and have been forced to make almost a third of their workforce redundant. Without urgent and tailored financial support, it is no exaggeration to say that this interwoven economic system faces the very real risk of irreparable damage and collapse. Businesses in the sector not only help to drive the local economy but also act as meeting places and hubs of social activity.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Westminster North
I pay tribute to the arts and culture sector, which has been deeply affected by the pandemic but has never given up. The arts provide huge benefits to the UK’s economy, providing billions of pounds to the Exchequer. They have had unwavering support for the arts, lobbying the Treasury for financial support as seen in the £1.57 billion culture recovery fund and the recent £408 million in grants announced to help with reopening. Many in the arts are hoping for good news on ongoing support for business rates and VAT on tickets, theatre tax relief being extended to digital performances without a physical audience, and an ongoing review of self-employed support needed for freelancers within the creative industries.
Colleen Fletcher
Lab
Coventry North East
In December 2017, it was declared that Coventry would be the UK city of culture in 2021. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, activities from theatre productions and live performances to exhibitions and galleries have closed their doors. Staff have been furloughed and revenues have plummeted. The city has adapted and reinvented itself time and again, overcoming adversity. I hope that the Government will commit today to ensuring that Coventry’s culture, arts and entertainment sectors receive the investment and support they need in order to make Coventry UK city of culture 2021 a complete success.
Gill Furniss
Lab
Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
The streets of Sheffield were lined with open doors leading to theatres, cinemas and museums which form the cultural heart of our city. While the road map out of lockdown has given those in the sector some hope as to when they can return, I am deeply concerned that a year of uncertainty and limited support may mean that some could collapse before then. Simple common-sense steps, such as extending the 5% rate of VAT for the culture sector, would go a long way towards protecting events such as these, as well as ensuring that workers are receiving vital financial support.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Wishart focused on the plight of musicians and those in the music industry, describing it as a miserable time with precarious livelihoods due to streaming services. He called for extending support schemes beyond April, insurance for live performances, and subsidies for venues accommodating social distancing.
Green highlighted the importance of arts in uplifting society and discussed the Culture Recovery Fund's impact. He celebrated various cultural groups and events within his constituency, calling for support at every level to ensure a return to normality.
Julie Elliott
Lab
Sunderland Central
Elliott stressed the economic contribution of arts and culture sectors before the pandemic and highlighted the sector's struggle during it. She praised industry support agencies like Generator for their efforts and called for proactive government measures including negotiating better visa situations for artists touring in Europe.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Identity is crucial for understanding oneself, investing in community, and relating to others. Culture defines a people, but it must be accessible beyond London's cultural monopoly. There is an imbalance with Arts Council funding favouring London over the regions—London receives 33% of Arts Council funding despite only having 13% of the UK’s population. The arts sector needs support to reach out and reinvigorate communities post-COVID.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Cultural experiences have been missed during lockdown, impacting people's sense of self. The arts and culture sector generated £10.47 billion for the UK economy in 2019. While the Government’s culture recovery fund has helped institutions stay afloat, it has ignored individuals. Many workers in these industries found themselves unable to be furloughed or qualify for support schemes. There is frustration at the lack of recognition and support for the supply chain to our cultural sector. The Chancellor's decision not to provide support to contractors was baffling. We need guidance for all organisations and clear underwriting of insurance so that live events can take place this summer.
The cultural and entertainment sector has been hit hard during the pandemic due to prolonged restrictions. With falling covid-19 hospitalisations, we now need to begin opening up again. The Government's road map out of lockdown will give businesses reassurances needed for planning their reopening. Enhanced testing regimes and other safety measures should be introduced soon for events with large crowds. The tourism and heritage sectors in Loughborough must seize the opportunity to promote domestic tourism to boost local economies, support businesses and create jobs.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Smith emphasised the importance of supporting night-time venues, including clubs and music venues. He highlighted that without urgent Government support, these businesses could be lost. He argued for an extension of business rates relief, VAT reduction, sector-specific grants, a solution for amassed commercial debt, furlough extension, help for excluded individuals, testing measures, capacity restrictions consultation with the sector.
Elphicke discussed the cultural heritage and entertainment of Dover and Deal. She mentioned the financial support from the Government’s culture recovery fund and called for a permanent recognition for Dame Vera Lynn in Dover’s white cliffs country.
Laing did not provide a detailed position but commented positively on Elphicke's speech.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Eshalomi highlighted the struggles of freelancers in the cultural and entertainment sectors, emphasising the need for a sector-specific support package to ensure survival through the pandemic.
Villiers called for targeted support for events and cultural venues until they can reopen properly. She advocated for greater certainty on reopening timelines, pilots to establish safety measures by early April, a Government-backed scheme for pandemic insurance, and risk-based solutions dependent on venue type, audience numbers, and event type.
Mick Whitley
Lab
Cynon Valley
For the past ten years, Conservative policies have severely impacted cultural industries through funding cuts. Despite the £1.5 billion culture recovery fund, over 55,000 jobs have been lost and many freelance creative workers fall outside support schemes. A bold strategy is needed to ensure the survival of these sectors when pandemic restrictions ease.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton South
The cultural sector has been severely impacted by measures to protect public health, but the Government's culture recovery fund and road map for reopening are providing essential support. It is crucial that venues across the UK, not just in London, receive this assistance and that the nation collectively discusses acceptable levels of risk for full reopening.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
The cultural sector in Liverpool has been hit hard by the pandemic, contributing 10% to the city’s economy. Many workers, especially freelancers and road crews, have fallen through gaps in Government support, leading to severe financial distress. The Chancellor must fill these gaps with real support for the recovery of this vital industry.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Heywood and Middleton
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has played a vital role in supporting the cultural sector during the pandemic. The Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust's Link4Life received funding that was crucial to its survival. The work of Jan Hind and Darren Grice at Link4Life not only kept the trust alive but also integrated it into broader plans for education, employment, and regeneration. This has led to increased engagement with cultural activities in Rochdale by a factor of seven.
Hayes and Harlington
The pandemic has had devastating effects on the cultural sector, particularly for freelancers and self-employed workers who have lost most of their work and struggled to access support schemes. Equity's members, many of whom are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds or women with caring responsibilities, face significant barriers to re-entry into the profession. The union calls for widening eligibility criteria for income support grants, continuing temporary welfare measures, and creating long-term job opportunities for marginalised groups in the cultural sector.
Stephen Hammond
Con
Wimbledon
The ongoing restrictions have been particularly hard on freelancers and self-employed workers within the cultural industry who are excluded from both furlough support and business grants. There is a need to extend the qualifying date for the self-employed income scheme by a year to provide more just support, and further clarity is required regarding pilots of safe event conduct and quarantine measures for international travel.
Aberconwy
The pandemic has severely impacted the arts sector in Wales, with many freelancers struggling due to precarious work conditions. The cultural sector is crucial for promoting Welsh language use and enhancing well-being through various events such as the National Eisteddfod and Hay Festival. Williams emphasises that the arts are important not just economically but also culturally, inspiring resilience during hard times.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Mentioned the difficulties faced by businesses in his constituency, particularly nightclubs and cultural venues. Highlighted responsible behaviour of local business owners during lockdown and their reliance on reopening funds and furlough support. Emphasised the need for a robust events research programme to assist the transition back to normal operations.
Salford
Discussed the precarity of cultural sectors in Salford, focusing on freelance and insecure workers. Criticised Government support packages for excluding many freelancers and called for emergency grants, monthly financial arrangements during restrictions, retrospective payments for excluded groups, and furlough extension to protect livelihoods.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Expressed gratitude towards DCMS and other organisations supporting various cultural activities in Gloucester. Acknowledged the importance of culture as what people are interested in, mentioning support from various funds for local cinemas, arts centres, music festivals, and wildlife trusts.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Advocated for a managed recovery strategy acknowledging the intrinsic value of arts and its economic benefits. Called for flexibility in funding and multi-annual frameworks to address underfunding issues, urging Chancellor to support self-employed workers and extend furlough.
James Daly
Lab
Bury North
Discussed the economic value of culture in Greater Manchester, citing statistics on job creation and revenue. Highlighted specific cultural institutions like The Met theatre, East Lancashire Railway, and the Fusilier Museum that have received Government support.
Tracy Brabin
Lab
Batley and Spen
Welcomed additional funding for the creative industries but raised concerns about VAT hikes and recouping funds from local authorities. Emphasised the importance of nurturing talent in drama schools and conservatoires, especially for working-class students.
Peter Gibson
Con
Darlington
Highlighted the cultural significance of Darlington through its rail heritage and contemporary arts scene. Noted the impact of closures on venues like the Forum Music Centre and the Hippodrome, praising Government support for jobs and livelihoods.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Stressed the need to protect lives while reopening the economy. Advocated for financial support for cultural industries through measures like tax relief for livestream performances, addressing issues faced by freelancers in MediaCity.
Ben Everitt
Con
Milton Keynes North
Britain is home to world-class cultural, arts and heritage organisations. Venues in Milton Keynes cannot wait to open again but are worried about making it until the end of spring despite clear road map guidance from the Government. The sector should be given confidence with councils releasing funds for venues to reopen safely later this year.
Pontypridd
The wrestling industry, which falls between governance gaps, has been greatly impacted by the pandemic and needs specific consideration from the Government. Freelance workers in creative sectors have been particularly badly hit and need support. The Welsh Labour Government's £63 million culture recovery fund is a lifeline for those facing tough times.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
The BBC, providing essential services during the pandemic, has seen significant budget cuts affecting programming and jobs. The charitable sector in constituencies like his needs more time to use this funding due to uncertainty about deadlines for its usage.
Local cultural institutions such as the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley zoo have been crucial during recovery efforts, supported by Government funds. The Budget offers a chance to continue historic investment in these sectors, vital not just for leisure but also for local economies.
James Sunderland
Con
Bracknell
Welcomed various Government schemes to restart the economy, including film and TV production, business rates holiday, support for cinemas, emergency funding for grassroots sports. Called for earlier reopening of outdoor sports like golf and tennis, and faster return of fans to non-league football stadiums with grants instead of loans. Urged rapid opening of pubs, restaurants, theatres and wedding industry. Proposed extension of 5% VAT rate for ticket sales and government-backed insurance scheme for the live music sector. Advocated for UK's motorsports industry including world rally championship.
John Spellar
Lab
Warley
Stressed public's desire to return to normal life, emphasising balance between health concerns and economic/job issues. Highlighted youth unemployment due to closures in hospitality, sports and entertainment sectors. Proposed 'be driven by the data' approach for reopening sectors rather than sticking to dates. Argued against binary framing of hospitals vs. hospitality, stressing that cultural sector is crucial for quality of life, community well-being, tourism and inward investment.
Paul Bristow
Con
Peterborough
Emphasised the importance of live performance to Peterborough's identity before and after the virus. Described financial struggles faced by local theatres and support provided from Government cultural recovery fund, totaling £1.1 million for Peterborough. Urged for continued financial assistance and a speedy return to normalcy for theatre operations.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Artists have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic restrictions. Glasgow's creative sector, from established to up-and-coming artists and venues, needs physical space and support for their return. Government support packages often exclude freelance workers in this industry. A universal basic income or similar certainty is needed to help them recover.
Andy Carter
Con
Warrington South
The cultural sector has been resilient during the pandemic and plays a key role in shaping society post-pandemic. While welcoming Government efforts to support film and TV production, more needs to be done for smaller independent media companies like Warrington Worldwide and The Cheshire Times. Support through the culture recovery fund is crucial but the supply chain in this sector faces tough challenges.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
The legacy of Hull as a city of culture remains important. The cultural and live music industry needs more focus on saving jobs rather than just buildings. Support for local venues like the Adelphi, Polar Bear, Welly and O'Rileys is crucial. Additionally, the zoo recovery fund should be accessible based on financial impact of COVID-19, not reserves only. Pubs need VAT cut, business rate holiday and continued furlough support.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
The creative industry in the Blaydon constituency, including music, events production, and arts, has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Freelancers and small businesses face significant challenges due to the closure of galleries, music venues, and event spaces. The cultural recovery funding from DCMS is appreciated but does not adequately address issues faced by smaller organisations without physical infrastructure. Freelance artists are particularly affected, with many experiencing a loss in income and facing visa restrictions for EU work.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
The cultural sector is looking forward to the roadmap for easing lockdown measures. Venues such as The Exchange arts centre have struggled due to cancelled events, but creative opportunities like Deco's social media success offer hope. Tourism businesses in Keighley and Ilkley also face challenges with reduced visitor numbers affecting local pubs, restaurants, and breweries. Government support is appreciated but must continue until full reopening is possible.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The arts and culture sector has been devastated by the pandemic, impacting mental health as well as the economy. The culture recovery fund provided some relief, but many venues received insufficient support too late to prevent economic damage. Freelancers working in creative sectors have struggled without eligibility for self-employed income support schemes. Museums and galleries need urgent attention with earlier reopening plans compared to retail or hospitality.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
The cultural sector has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, affecting venues such as The Roxy in Leadgate and outdoor education settings like the Weardale Adventure Centre. Despite funding from local councils and national initiatives like the culture recovery fund, many feel underserved. There is a need for continued support through schemes like the furlough scheme and grants for pubs and clubs to aid recovery and growth.
Duncan Baker
Con
North Norfolk
Welcomed the Government's vaccination programme, recovery roadmap, and sector support for the arts and culture. Highlighted how his lobbying letter resulted in £1.57 billion being allocated to the arts and culture sector. Emphasised the importance of the Culture Recovery Fund for venues like the North Norfolk Railway and Wells Maltings.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Called for support for theatres in Southend to reopen safely and viably. Noted that four businesses benefited from the Culture Recovery Fund, but two individuals did not receive financial support since the pandemic began. Called on the Chancellor to include Government-backed insurance for live events in his Budget announcement.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Highlighted the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on black, ethnic minority communities, and working-class backgrounds within the arts and creative sector. Criticised the exclusion of many from Government covid support due to arbitrary deadlines for SEISS payments or furlough eligibility. Condemned visa-free travel loss as a 'body blow' for performers.
Bob Neill
Con
Hornsey and Wood Green
Emphasised the importance of supporting opera companies, freelancers, venues, young artists, and insurance schemes. Called on Government to consider Lord Lloyd Webber's suggestions for reopening west end performances.
Mitcham and Morden
Questioned why events companies with rateable properties were not uniformly eligible for support from local authorities despite Chancellor's initial assurances. Requested clarity on the inconsistency of business rates relief across boroughs.
Alison McGovern
Lab
Birkenhead
The hon. Member appreciates the Chancellor's appreciation for creative industries but criticises the lack of employment support schemes and policies that support the sector. She highlights the significant contribution of DCMS businesses to the UK economy, emphasising the need for a plan to ensure sustainable growth across all regions of the country. The Member also critiques piecemeal policy responses during the pandemic and calls for better coordination from Government departments in addressing post-Brexit touring issues and financial support for creatives. She concludes by expressing hope for the return of cultural activities that enrich lives after the pandemic.
Maldon
The Government has acknowledged the severe impact of lockdown restrictions on entertainment and cultural sectors, emphasising their importance to the economy and national well-being. The creative industries contribute £116 billion to the UK's GDP and support 2.1 million jobs. Despite economic challenges, the sector's value goes beyond financial metrics, enhancing societal welfare through joy and cultural interaction. The government has allocated £1.57 billion in a cultural recovery fund, with additional support from a £500 million film and TV production restart scheme. The success of the vaccination programme allows for phased reopening plans under the road map framework, ensuring stability without reversing dates prematurely to avoid disappointment and financial strain.
Government Response
Government Response
The Minister highlighted the importance of cultural institutions beyond London, acknowledging their significance across all nations. He emphasised the role of broadcasters in maintaining national morale during lockdowns and expressed regret for not being able to visit cultural sites due to timing constraints. The government’s assurance is centred on a clear and irreversible roadmap for reopening, with particular mention of grass-roots sports resuming from 29 March thanks to vaccination progress. He also discussed the events research programme aimed at facilitating large event returns without social distancing restrictions.
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