Prior to the election, what issues were MVT making the government aware of?
“MVT published a Manifesto for Grassroots Music which contained the top five opportunities to support the grassroots music venue sector for any incoming government. That work echoed the conclusions of the cross party Commons Select Committee Report on grassroots music which was released in May 2024, covering the most obvious chances any new government has to promote growth in the sector and turn around the current decline – cutting VAT on tickets, implementing a legal version of Agent of Change, reviewing business rates, and supporting the development of a grassroots contribution of £1 from every arena and stadium live music event.”
What interactions did you have with the incoming Labour leadership before 4 July?
”Very extensive. We met with a large number of the new influx of MPs, including the newly appointed ministers across a range of departments, which can have a direct impact on a better future for live music in the UK; not just in culture but in housing and local communities, treasury and business. There’s a lot that can be done, and this really is a future defining moment of opportunity if the new government wants to directly address access to culture in our towns and cities.”
What are your thoughts on the appointment of Lisa Nandy as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport?
“It’s early days in terms of what Lisa can deliver as the Secretary of State, but in terms of her historical positions and the basics of what she believes in, I’d strongly encourage everyone to get hold of a copy of her book All In (How We Build a Country That Works) because large sections of it read like she would fit in perfectly working with the team at Music Venue Trust.”
What significant steps do you hope that the new UK government will implement over the next five years when it comes to the live events industry?
“Policy, legislation and a tax regime that recognises that everyone, everywhere, deserves the right to high-quality live music on their doorstep. Music belongs to all of us. We want to work with the new administration so that all of us can experience it.”
