18.06. 2015: UK Music and its members are delighted that Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, has been named Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee.

We are also delighted that Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool, has been named Chair of the Business, Innovation and Skills select committee.

The Commons, Lords and cross party select committees are responsible for overseeing the work of Government departments and agencies. They play a very important democratic function and they offer a failsafe to industry to ensure that Government policy is vigorously scrutinised and challenged.

The Culture, Media and Sport select committee and the BIS select committee are two of the most important when it comes to considering policy that affects the music businesses, musicians and the UK Music membership.

Jesse has a longstanding interest in culture issues. He is a Director of the Hay Festival and Trustee of the Roundhouse. Iain has a deep understanding of our industry and wider intellectual property and piracy issues.

Jo Dipple said: “In Jesse Norman we have a Chairman with independence of mind, personal experience, a commitment to music and the creative industries and a willingness to work with colleagues across party lines. This is a good day for the CMS Committee. Jesse will continue to maintain the standing and influence of the Committee as well as ensuring the work started by John Whittingdale has a lasting legacy.”

“Iain Wright has continually shown strong support for music and the IP sector and will make an incredibly effective Chairman.”

Music and the creative industries are lucky to have these two as Chairs of such important select committees. UK Music and its members look forward to working with both of them.”