After 14 years, a new political dawn in the UK as Keir Starmer's Labor Party sweeps to victory in the general election. And the end of the long reign of the Tories.
Labor won in a predictable landslide, paving the way for Starmer to become the next prime minister.
The UK music industry, through its various support networks and lobbying bodies, welcomed the incoming centre-left government with a resounding message: let's get to work.
“Our industry faces serious challenges and needs urgent attention to recover from years of neglect due to the cost of living crisis and the pandemic,” comments Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).
The sector must now “rebuild trust with the new government, after years of feeling misunderstood and undervalued, we must work to change the narrative around the value of the night-time economy, ensure stronger representation at all levels and create a more comprehensive regulatory system.”
Kill continues, “We also need to tackle tax inequality, reform business rates, protect independent operators and align VAT with European standards.”
UK Music CEO Tom Kill calls on the new leader to use his “resounding mandate for change” to boost jobs, growth and opportunities in the industry.
The country's music industry contributes nearly £7 billion ($9 billion) a year to the UK economy and supports 210,000 jobs, according to the London-based umbrella body which represents all sectors of the UK music industry .
Right now, Kiehl explains, the music business faces “a number of challenges, but also opportunities. A strong relationship between UK Music and the new government will be essential to navigating what the rest of this decade brings.”
UK Music has developed and published a 10-point election 'manifesto' for the next government, which includes targets to boost music exports, protect music venues, improve music education and encourage the responsible use of AI.
“As the collective voice of the music industry, UK Music already has strong links with Sir Keir's top team,” adds Kiehl. “Our plan is to continue to build on these relationships and work across the political spectrum, including the many newly elected MPs, to achieve real change and further growth for our world-leading industry.”
According to a BBC forecast published on Friday morning (July 5), Labor is set to take 410 seats (out of 650) with an expected majority of 170. For the Conservatives, the result could be the worst in their history, with the party predicted to win just 129 seats.
