Industry figures have been responding to Labour’s landslide election victory.
Head of Bectu Philippa Childs:
“We welcome news of a new government and the promise of change to a party who recognises the huge contribution the creative industries make towards the economy and appreciates that they are a key sector for the future.
“After seemingly endless political shrill surrounding the BBC, we’re pleased to have a party in power that won’t use our world-class public service broadcaster as a political football. It’s essential that Labour understands the key role the BBC plays in the delicate ecosystem of the creative industries, and its importance as an incubator of skills and talent.
“We’ve been pleased to see Labour’s commitment to championing access to the arts for all, and backing this up with a strong plan for developing skills, opening up apprenticeships and improving workers’ rights.
“We hope this translates into a fruitful relationship with ourselves and other trade unions as we continue to work to tackle some of the pressing issues facing the creative industries – sustained funding, improved rights for freelancers, and more sustainable working patterns and conditions.”
Andy Harrower, Directors UK CEO:
“With the election of a new Labour Government, we reiterate our call to ministers to introduce the following measures which will make a real improvement to the working lives of the UK’s freelance film and TV directors.
“We must work together to foster an ever-flourishing creative industries sector which generates economic growth and jobs across the country.
1. Introduce a Freelancer Commissioner in Whitehall to represent and defend the interests and concerns of the UK’s 4.3 million freelancers who often fall through the cracks of the UK’s tax, pension and benefits system.
2. Introduce a Smart Fund to pay creatives for the private copying and consumption of their content on digital devices such as laptops and mobiles, and fund grassroots arts schemes that will foster greater industry diversity.
3. Ensure the AI sector — through robust regulatory action — respects the UK’s ‘Gold Standard’ IP Copyright Regime and honours their obligations to that system through transparency, accountability and financial compensation.”
WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers:
“As the UK wakes up to a new government and chapter in our political history, we call for a better deal for UK writers, who have too often been underpaid, unprotected and overlooked, in an industry that is struggling to survive.
“As we spell out in our manifesto, the new administration must protect, support and nurture UK writers by introducing protections on fair pay and fair treatment, ensure our creative industries are sustainable, and – in a world being revolutionised by AI – introduce robust protections on copyright. In short, it must put writers where they belong – at the heart of the story.”
Paul W Fleming, General Secretary of Equity:
“With the election completed, our new government must get to grips with the performing arts and entertainment, a critical sector for the UK’s long-term success.”
“We’ll be pressing the new administration to set out a long-term plan for UK arts funding to reach the European average, to tackle the high upfront fees charged by casting directories, to make Universal Credit fairer for freelancers, to ensure public subsidy only supports work on decent union terms, and to fight for better rights in the video games and TV commercials sector.”
“There are no creative industries without this incredible workforce. It’s time politicians stand up and offer them the same recognition that is offered by audiences across the world.”
Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive of Creative UK, the national membership body for the Cultural and Creative Industries has commented on the outcome of the UK General Election.
“This moment of change for the UK is an opportunity to maximise our growth and resilience, if driven by political imagination and ingenuity. We face huge challenges that we need creativity to overcome, since innovation and collaboration are critical to prosperity, health and our place in the world. It’s artists and creatives who imagine a better future for us all – telling the stories that bring us together, inspiring our future leaders, and helping governments work smarter.
“It’s fitting that Sir Keir Starmer stood within the Tate Modern to share early reflections. This signal that a new UK Government will place the Cultural and Creative Industries at the heart of industrial strategy is, perhaps, also a sign of hope that the creative sector is finally also being understood as a public good.
“What we need now is policy into practice. The prioritisation of a transformative curriculum which values creativity and develops our capability. Bold approaches to funding and finance through patient capital, with the Treasury focused properly on growth. Investment in regions and communities, in order to really help creative organisations thrive. For our sector to top the list of public investment priorities, reflecting its size, contribution and potential.
“For Creative UK, now’s the time to really roll up our sleeves and ensure that this new UK Government delivers the best in these areas and more. We’re committed to working with all elected representatives to champion the creative economy, so that our future is bright.”
James Burstall, CEO, Argonon
“Congratulations to Keir Starmer and his new government, we wish them every success. I have met some of the incoming ministers over the last 18 months and I am encouraged and hopeful that we will see strong, sustainable and much-needed support for our sector in the coming months and years. It’s urgently needed. Since the beginning of 2023, our world class creative sector has endured – and continues to battle against – a perfect storm of tough economic headwinds, fracturing business models and declining audiences, with huge knocks on effects for our world class production base as well as our talented freelancers at all levels. These are the immediate challenges we’re facing today.
“Labour has previously outlined the cultural, commercial and societal importance of the creative industries, with a commitment to set the conditions to drive growth and support the workforce, and an ambition to work constructively to ensure the BBC and other creative institutions can invest in content. As an identified priority sector, we welcome early engagement with the DCMS and wider government to tackle both these pressing challenges – as well as the longer-term needs such as skills training, creative and production incentives and protecting IP for creators – to ensure the future success and sustainability of our industry.”
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Pippa Considine
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