14/07/2016: UK Music’s CEO, Michael Dugher, has issued the following statement following a debate on the Welsh Assembly on live music protection in Wales on Wednesday 12 July:-

“UK Music calls on Members of the Welsh Assembly to support the petition and back music venues. Having visited Womanby Street in Cardiff in June and met with venue campaigners I was impressed by their achievements. That the Welsh Government is taking a lead and adopting the agent of change principle is a great step forward.

“Music tourism generates £115m and sustains 1,908 jobs in Wales. To maintain this I urge greater collaboration with the Welsh Government, councils and local music scenes. The setting up of taskforces in cities like Cardiff would be the next logical step to build on recent success and ensure venues can continue to be protected.”

“We will hold the Welsh government to the promises they have made, but it's clear that Wales is leading the way. The rest of the UK should follow their example.”