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Smaller Musical Genres: Scotland
31 January 2023
Lead MP
Pete Wishart
Perth and Kinross-shire
SNP
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
Culture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 4456
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Pete Wishart raised concerns about smaller musical genres: scotland in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr. Wishart asks the Minister to remind BBC Scotland of its obligations under Ofcom regulations, encouraging engagement with frontline experts to ensure that these programmes continue to serve their audiences effectively.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr. Wishart is concerned about the BBC's decision to cancel 'Jazz Nights', 'Pipeline', and 'Classics Unwrapped' in Scotland, which has garnered an overwhelming negative response with petitions collecting over 20,997 signatures. He highlights the importance of these specialist programmes for niche musical genres like jazz, classical, and piping, noting that they support emerging artists and sustain careers. Mr. Wishart mentions specific instances such as Fergus McCreadie's international recognition and the Edinburgh festival's role in supporting Scottish cultural output.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Agreed that the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, based in Glasgow Central, is significant for nurturing classical, jazz, and pipe music. Emphasised the importance of BBC's role in promoting young talent within these genres. Asked the Minister about the lack of back-cataloguing for piping, highlighting that 'Pipeline' is essentially the national catalogue for live piping performances.
Patrick Grady
Lab Co-op
Glasgow Shettleston
Congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate and highlighted the Celtic Connections festival as an example of how Scotland's cultural and music scene can be shared with a global audience.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.