The UK music industry has issued a firm call to action for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to fulfill critical manifesto promises in the upcoming King’s Speech on May 13. Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music, has written to the Prime Minister expressing deep concern over reports that promised legislation to crack down on ticket touts and ease EU touring barriers may be sidelined or reduced to a mere "draft Bill."
At the heart of the industry's plea is the urgent need for a price cap on secondary ticket sales. Currently, the UK music sector contributes £8 billion to the economy and employs 220,000 people, yet this growth is threatened by unscrupulous touts. These individuals often snap up vast quantities of tickets to resell at exorbitant prices—with some 2025 tour tickets reportedly reaching nearly £24,000. Such predatory practices price out genuine fans and undermine the efforts of artists and promoters to keep live music accessible. Despite a government consultation last year that signaled support for a resale cap, fears are mounting that immediate legislative action is losing momentum.
Beyond domestic ticketing, UK Music is pushing for the removal of the bureaucratic and financial hurdles that have plagued EU touring since Brexit. The current system of costly carnets, complex visa requirements, and restrictive cabotage rules has made touring Europe increasingly prohibitive for British artists and crew. Following the recent launch of the Cultural Exchange Coalition, the industry is looking for the King’s Speech to reinforce support through an EU Alignment Bill that specifically addresses these trade frictions.
Prominent figures including Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Robert Smith have previously joined the chorus calling for a crackdown on the secondary market. UK Music argues that failing to include these measures in the forthcoming legislative session would represent a "hammer blow" to an industry that remains a vital global export. By addressing these manifesto commitments now, the Government can protect fans from profiteering and ensure that UK artists continue to build their international presence without being stifled by red tape.
