01.10.24 The Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham became a pivotal platform for the UK’s music industry leaders to discuss future support and growth strategies.

The panel featured notable figures Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee; Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Shadow Minister for the Arts; Lara Carmona, Director of Policy and Engagement at Creative UK; and Ammo Talwar, Chair of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and CEO of Punch Records. The panel was Chaired by UK Music Chief Executive, Tom Kiehl. 

Opening the session, Lord Parkinson emphasised the music industry’s significant contribution to society. He said: “The music industry is hugely important for the economy, as well as our social lives and wellbeing”.

He highlighted the crucial support the Conservative Party gave the music industry whilst in Government, including financial support during COVID-19 and increased investment in musical instruments for school aged children. He shared that he was proud of all the Conservative government had done for the creative industries.

Lord Parkinson then discussed the necessity for the Government to address the industry’s concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential impact. He said there needs to be action around an opt-in or opt-out method for creators and rightsholders, and a method of renumeration should artists choose to opt-in. 

Ammo Talwar focused on regional inclusivity and the importance of nurturing talent across the entire UK. “Talent is everywhere, access is not,” he remarked.

Ammo advocated for collaboration with city region music boards and Metro Mayors to ensure that opportunities are not confined to specific areas, but available nationwide. He reflected on the success of Stormzy, but suggested his rise to prominence in the grime music scene was a special and unique case. 

Lara Carmona highlighted the critical role of creative education in schools. She shared: “Music education is fundamental to our neuroplasticity – contributing to purpose, society, community and driving prosperity around the country”. Lara stressed that widespread educational opportunities are essential for sustaining the industry’s future but must be “viable and accessible” for children from all types of schools, not just independent schools. 

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP turned the spotlight on grassroots music sector, describing them as the “research and development hubs and lifeblood of our sector.”

She told attendees: “The crucial question is how do we get money to the grassroots?”. She discussed some of the current ideas including a £1 ticket levy for stadiums, which would provide a “baked in” way to get crucial support to the sector. She also suggested “there is a special case for music” to get a specific tax break. 

Reflecting on the grassroot music inquiry the CMS Select Committee undertook at the start of the year, Dame Caroline referenced comments from Lily Fontaine of Leeds-based band English Teacher on the punitive cost of merchandise fees. The CMS Select Committee Chair highlighted the great work of UK Music member the Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) in this area.  

Moving to the Q&A, the session featured strong audience participation. with questions addressing topics such as industry skills development in the live events sector, interdepartmental government collaboration and fair remuneration from AI. 

Conservative Peer Baroness Nicholson asked the panel what could be done to boost music education in primary schools; Campaign for the Arts Director Jack Gamble asked about the steady decline in music GCSE since 2010 could be tackled; and Chief Executive of Live Music Now, Janet Fischer, asked how we can better integrate music and health care. 

The event concluded with Chair Tom Kiehl doing a shout out for the BPI and Conservative Home silent disco, where each of the four Conservative Party leadership hopefuls created their own playlist. He then asked each panellist what song lyric they think defines the current Conservative leadership race, with answers ranging from Kylie’s “When I go out, I wanna go out dancing” to ABBA’s “The winner takes it all”. 

Among those who joined the event were Baroness Nicholson, former MP James Davies, representatives from the BPI, Campaign for the Arts, Live Music Now, UK Hospitality, Spotify Music, Randall’s Monitoring, Everyone TV and a number of Conservative Party Councillors and members plus external stakeholders.