Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Live Events and Cultural Festivals: Government-backed Insurance Scheme

Thursday 18 March 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sarah Olney asked the Minister about discussions with the Chancellor regarding a Government-backed insurance fund for live events and cultural festivals during the pandemic.
  • Martyn Day inquired whether the Minister would meet with industry stakeholders to discuss proposals for an insurance fund to support the recovery of live cultural events.
  • John Nicolson questioned the Minister about bilateral talks over visa agreements for artists with various countries since the rejection of a deal from the EU.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP raised concerns about the lack of indemnity cover for live events, which has been an issue for cultural festivals and events. The government's programme faces challenges in securing financial support due to public health uncertainties.

Question

What discussions have you had with the Chancellor regarding a Government-backed insurance fund to help live events and cultural festivals during COVID-19? I am concerned about the lack of indemnity cover for these events, which has prevented their reopening despite industry calls for assistance.

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

My officials and my team at DCMS are working closely with affected sectors to understand barriers to reopening, including financial support. We recognise the challenges in securing indemnity cover for live events due to public health uncertainties.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about discussions with the Chancellor was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Martyn Day SNP
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Representatives from the live music sector have called for a Government-backed insurance fund to support events reopening safely. The issue of indemnity cover is critical for these industries.

Question

Insurance providers and industry stakeholders are calling for an insurance fund to support live cultural events' recovery. Will you meet with representatives to discuss their proposals?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

I regularly meet industry stakeholders and have set out plans for reopening events through the events research scheme. This provides evidence on how and when events can return safely, supporting recovery efforts.

Not addressed: The specific ask about meeting with representatives was not addressed directly.

How: Changes Subject To Plans For Reopening

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Q3 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Discussions with industry stakeholders and insurance bodies have been ongoing, focusing on the challenges of securing indemnity cover for events.

Question

Will you release all documents from meetings with industry stakeholders and insurance bodies regarding insurance for live events this summer?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

We can publish documents where appropriate, but sometimes closed-door conversations are necessary. The culture recovery fund has provided over £1 million support in Richmond Park and supported many organisations.

Not addressed: The specific ask about document release was not addressed directly.

How: Changes Subject To Culture Recovery Fund

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Q4 John Nicolson SNP
Immigration Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP criticized the government's refusal of a deal with the EU that would have allowed artists to tour without visas. The Minister previously promised to resolve this issue.

Question

Have you engaged in bilateral talks over visa agreements for artists since rejecting a deal from the EU? With which countries and what progress has been made?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

We did not reject an excellent visa option, but it was limited. The current situation offers uncertainty due to public health issues. Yesterday, I met my colleagues in the FCDO about international discussions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about progress in bilateral talks was partially addressed by mentioning recent meetings.

How: Changes Subject To Limitations Of Visa Options

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