UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl has outlined five key tests for the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, aimed at growing the nation's world-leading £8 billion music industry. The strategic intervention comes as the former Manchester Mayor begins forming his new government after taking charge in Downing Street. Kiehl welcomed the Prime Minister to his post, praising his long-standing commitment to a sector that supports 220,000 jobs. The challenge follows the recent unveiling of the government’s Music Plan on July 13.
The five critical benchmarks established by UK Music focus on boosting regional growth, jobs, and international exports, which currently generate £4.8 billion annually. The initial test calls for the urgent removal of costly and prohibitive barriers that currently restrict British artists from touring the European Union. Secondly, the industry is calling for immediate legislation to deliver on the government's manifesto pledge to root out predatory ticket touts who routinely rip off music fans.
The third test focuses on further devolving power to local authorities, utilizing the framework of the Local Music Action Charter to grow musical infrastructure in towns and cities nationwide. The fourth benchmark demands that the government rule out any new copyright exceptions regarding Artificial Intelligence. The industry insists that technology firms must seek explicit consent, pay creators properly, and maintain total transparency when utilizing copyrighted music. Finally, UK Music emphasizes the need to secure a strong and well-funded BBC that will continue to showcase and support domestic talent ahead of the upcoming Charter Renewal.
Kiehl emphasized that the new Prime Minister possesses a deep understanding of the sector from his previous tenure as Culture Secretary. With music serving as one of the UK’s finest international calling cards, the sector is positioned as a central pillar of national economic growth. The music industry remains eager to collaborate with the new administration to dismantle red tape, protect intellectual property against unauthorized AI use, and maximize the economic and cultural footprint of British music creators.
