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Supporting UK Artists and Culture
22 November 2022
Lead MP
Caroline Dinenage
Gosport
Con
Responding Minister
Stuart Andrew
Tags
TaxationCulture, Media & SportBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 9604
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about supporting uk artists and culture in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the government to look again at the idea of dedicated British music or creative industry export hubs, support a strong copyright framework for royalties, and consider implementing a Smart fund proposal that could raise up to £300 million annually for creators in the UK.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The UK arts and creative industries employ 2.1 million people and contribute £116 billion to the economy annually, with exports worth more than £37.9 billion in 2019. Despite this, support for these sectors has not been adequate, with issues such as underfunding and a lack of strategy hindering their potential. There is also concern over the impact of funding cuts on organisations like English National Opera (ENO) that engage younger audiences.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Called for measures to support the arts, such as extending theatre tax relief. Criticised Arts Council England's funding decisions, highlighting cuts to English National Opera and Donmar Warehouse. Emphasised lack of consultation and political direction in decision-making.
Bob Neill
Con
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Bob Neill criticised the Arts Council for proposing to move English National Opera (ENO), arguing it is effectively closure with no consultation. He stated that relocating ENO within three years is impossible, would result in job losses, and contradicts the Arts Council's goal of growing opera. ENO has produced notable British operatic talent and a diverse audience demographic.
Highlighted Cornwall's thriving creative arts scene, noting the significant contributions from institutions like Falmouth University and Hall for Cornwall. Urged continued government support for local cultural assets while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as low wages, affordable housing shortages, and skills gaps.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Praised the importance of arts and culture in transforming lives, particularly highlighting London's cultural sector and its impact on diverse communities. Questioned whether levelling down London's renowned cultural sector would help level up the rest of the country.
Harriet Harman
Lab
Camberwell and Peckham
Ms Harman expressed concern about the Arts Council's decision to cut funding for the English National Opera at the Coliseum, leading to the loss of 300 jobs. She criticised the lack of consultation and misleading spin regarding the proposed relocation of ENO outside London. Ms Harman called for a strategic review of opera, four years of realistic funding for ENO, and five years for consultation on a new model.
James Morris
LD
Nest
Asked for a better definition of 'levelling up' when it comes to opera, questioning the focus on location over education and perception.
John Nicolson
SNP
Glasgow North West
The Scottish Government has provided additional funding for culture and heritage, but Scotland needs borrowing powers to address critical issues. The cultural sector faces a 7.1% drop in disposable income over the next two years due to Brexit's impact on revenue streams from EU audiences. John Nicolson calls for UK Government efforts at negotiation to mitigate these effects.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Mr Brennan declared his interests in the Musicians' Union and PRS for Music. He expressed agreement with the hon. Member for Gosport, highlighting the importance of Cardiff's creative industries and arts to its economy and culture. He mentioned five key issues: the 'Let the Music Move' report on musicians touring in Europe post-Brexit; recent cuts by Arts Council England affecting cultural organisations; the Government's decision on artificial intelligence which gives tech companies unrestricted access to artists' work without compensation; the need for better artist payment through streaming platforms; and the upcoming UK Music diversity report. Mr Brennan intervened to note that the Welsh National Opera performs in Bristol.
Margaret Hodge
Lab
Barking
Margaret Hodge, chair of Theatre Royal Stratford East, discussed the English National Opera's funding cuts and their impact on a unique facility in London. She argued that destroying excellence undermines levelling up efforts and congratulated ENO for collaborating with Theatre Royal Stratford East to engage young children from east London, securing an Olivier award. Ms Hodge agreed with the previous speaker that there is a misunderstanding about arts investment in London. She pointed out that national institutions like the British Museum should not be included, and the audience for London entertainment comes from the south-east where funding per capita is low.
Nickie Aiken
Cons
Cities of London and Westminster
The MP highlighted the vibrant arts and culture sector in her constituency, including iconic venues such as Ronnie Scott's and the Royal Albert Hall. She expressed concern about the English National Opera's future due to funding cuts from Arts Council England and criticised the tight timeframe for decision-making without proper consultation with stakeholders. Aiken also stressed the economic importance of cultural events like theatres and pantomimes in driving local economies and job creation.
Government Response
Stuart Andrew
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I am glad to be here to discuss the Government's support for the arts and culture sector. My hon. Friend the Member for Gosport was instrumental in securing unprecedented cultural recovery funds during the pandemic. Around 5,000 organisations were supported through the cultural recovery fund alongside additional support such as self-employment income support scheme and the furlough scheme. The Budget also increased tax reliefs for theatres, orchestras, museums and galleries until 16 April 2024, worth almost a quarter of a billion pounds. Arts Council England is investing £446 million each year in arts and culture in England from 2023 to 2026, supporting 990 organisations across the whole of England—more than ever before and in more places than ever before—with 79% of the new portfolio delivering activity specifically for children and young people. The Arts Council is providing support to more organisations in more places due to a 20% increase in opportunities for children and young people, nearly three-fold increase in funding for libraries, and an increase of 21% in funding for accredited museums over three years. I am sure my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport will agree that stepping back and looking at the whole picture, it is exciting to see a portfolio that gives people right across the country more opportunities to access culture on their doorstop. The Department continues to work with Arts Council England and other partners like the Creative Industries Council to support growth in creative industries.
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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.