05.08.2024: UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl spoke to Headliner about the opportunities open to the sector following the arrival of a new regime in Downing Street.

In his interview, Tom highlighted the huge contribution the music industry makes to the nation’s economy of almost £7 billion a year, pointing to the 210,000 jobs it supports and its £4 billion export market.

Tom outlined the “big political change” at the July 4 general election which saw Labour sweep into Downing Street and more than 300 new MPs in Parliament.

He said:  “There’s an opportunity to really influence that change, and there is an excellent team here at UK Music, so it feels like there’s a really big opportunity ahead of us. It couldn’t come at a better time.”

Tom added: “There is a lot of good will for music as a concept in Parliament, and we need to take that good will and make the government take it seriously.

“We need to identify each and every MP and make them understand that they have a reason to support music. There might be a venue or a music-focused project in their constituency and it’s vital we tap into that and make MPs aware regardless of their political colours.”

The issue of the problems facing UK musicians and crew touring the EU was one area where Tom was more hopeful of progress with the new administration.

He said: “We need to get an overarching strategy in place to bind government closer to the music industry. The commitment in the Labour party manifesto around looking at touring in light of Brexit and the relationship with the EU is a priority we must focus on.”

You can read the full interview with Headliner here.