Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Smaller Musical Genres: Scotland

31 January 2023 · 2 other contributors · 4,456 words

Opened by Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

Responding minister: Not recorded

Culture, Media & Sport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Pete Wishart raised concerns about smaller musical genres: scotland in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Mr Wishart is concerned about the BBC's decision to cancel specialist music programmes in Scotland.
  • Petitions against the cancellations have gathered over 20,997 signatures.
  • Mr Wishart highlights the programmes' importance for emerging artists and sustaining careers in niche musical genres.

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.

Opened the debate

Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

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.

Other contributors (2)
  • 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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