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UK Music urges Conservative leadership hopefuls to support music industry

UK Music, an umbrella organisation for the music industry, has written to Conservative leadership contenders Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, urging them to back the nation’s music industry.

Conservative members are set to vote for a new leader – and therefore a new Prime Minister for the UK – on September 5. Ahead of the vote, UK Music has urged the contenders to support six key pledges to help drive jobs and growth in the music sector.

In a letter, UK Music chief executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin (pictured) has outlined six areas to aid the music industry as it continues its growth and recovery post-COVID.

Njoku-Goodwin has asked for support to retain a ‘global gold standard’ for copyright protection; an end to the red tape facing UK musicians and crew touring the EU; support for UK music globally by boosting the funding for export schemes; the creation of a fiscal incentive to encourage new music production; a reduction on the tax burden facing music industry business; and protecting the talent pipeline.

“The UK Music industry is a key national asset that generates huge social, economic and reputational benefits for the UK and is a source of pride and joy for millions across our country,” says Njoku-Goodwin.

“We must protect it and make the most of our international success and world-leading status. However, the global music industry is an increasingly competitive one, with countries like South Korea investing heavily in their culture – and without similar investment we risk falling behind.

“We need to work in partnership with the government to ensure the UK music industry continues to lead the world stage.”

Image: UK Music