Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Access to Arts and Culture

Thursday 27 November 2025 · 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steve Witherden (Lab) highlighted the decline in expressive arts GCSE entries in England since 2010 and questioned the Minister about plans to address this.
  • Pete Wishart (SNP) raised concerns about the challenges faced by new musical artists in the UK, including issues with remuneration and touring difficulties post-Brexit.
  • Kim Johnson (Lab) discussed Liverpool's role in the UK's creative industries since its success as European capital of culture in 2008, emphasizing the importance of social value and inclusivity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Witherden Lab Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Education
Context

Expressive arts GCSE entries have declined by 42% since 2010. Wales mandates expressive arts in its curriculum.

Question

In Wales, expressive arts is a mandatory part of the curriculum, helping pupils develop creative skills while also improving cognitive development and attainment in maths and English. Given that England has seen a 42% decline in expressive arts GCSE entries since 2010, what plans does the Minister have to restore the status of arts and creative education and support a broader, more balanced curriculum?

Answer from Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)

My hon. Friend is right to lament the decline in the number of pupils across England taking arts subjects, and this Government are determined to turn that around. That is why the Education Secretary and I have worked closely together. My hon. Friend will have seen the announcement she made about a broader, richer curriculum for all pupils, alongside the work I am doing to rebuild a broader, richer set of opportunities outside of the classroom.

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Q2 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport Business & Trade
Context

UK Music's 'This is Music' report highlights difficulties for new musical artists due to streaming revenue, EU touring restrictions, and venue closures.

Question

UK Music’s excellent “This is Music” report found that it has become increasingly difficult for new musical artists to be heard and for careers to be built. Recompense through streaming services is minuscule and artist remuneration a real issue. On the live side, Brexit has made touring the EU almost impossible, and grassroots venues continue to close. Does the Secretary of State recognise that without meaningful action, we risk creating a music industry where only the privileged and rich can afford to build a career?

Answer from Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)

I very much share that assessment, and we are determined that that is going to change. The hon. Member will be aware of the work that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts has been doing on the grassroots music levy. That is a voluntary levy. We hope the industry will step up and meet our target of 50% of all ticket sales imposing that levy in order to support grassroots music venues by the end of the year, but we have been really clear with the industry that if that does not happen, we will intervene and use statutory powers if necessary.

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Q3 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Since its success as European capital of culture, Liverpool has played a key role in the UK’s creative industries.

Question

Since its success as European capital of culture in 2008, Liverpool has played a key role in the UK’s creative industries. Does my right hon. Friend agree that success should not only be measured in economic terms, and can she explain how social value and tackling the under-representation of groups should be used as a measure of success by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport?

Answer from Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)

As, I think, the first black MP ever to represent Liverpool, my hon. Friend’s achievement is absolutely noted in this House. The way in which she has carried that work forward into this House, to ensure that she may be the first, but she certainly will not be the last, and that the voices of all people will be heard, is something that I deeply admire, and I know many other Members feel the same. My hon. Friend is right to say that the vibrancy of the Liverpool city region has always been built on the most diverse range of music, voices and experiences.

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Q4 Jess Brown-Fuller Lib Dem Chichester
Education Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The music and dance scheme funds schools that train the next generation of artists, regardless of wealth.

Question

I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. The music and dance scheme funds exceptional schools that train the next generation of artists who will go on to lead the industry, both on and off the stage. Those schools nurture talent regardless of wealth, and are the very definition of social mobility, but some are now at risk of closure because the fund is not guaranteed beyond next year. Will the Minister guarantee secure, ringfenced funding so that those vital institutions can continue to increase access to an industry that has been identified as a leading area of growth?

Answer from Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)

I am very aware of the pressures the hon. Member describes. My Department is currently completing business planning, so we will be able to set out precise allocations going forward. I have also been working closely with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Education Secretary to ensure that Government take a cohesive approach to this issue across the board.

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