EU-UK Summit: Visa Waiver Agreement
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I can reassure my noble friend. She raises very important points about some of the failings and inadequacies of the arrangements that came through the original discussions, which are absolutely critical. I reassure my noble friend that, as well as Minister Bryant visiting counterparts in Europe, officials are engaging on a regular basis. Obviously, consultation with the sector is paramount. We need to make sure that, in moving forward and achieving the reset and rebalance, we put the needs of everyone on the table and make sure that we do not leave anyone out of the future discussions.
Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (LD)
My Lords, as was said by the two previous speakers, the results of Brexit are causing absolute havoc with the abilities of our creatives to tour. I want to pick up the cabotage rules, which limit the number of stops a British vehicle can make in the EU to three. We hear a lot about rock tours, but actually our orchestras are being severely affected by this. The Royal Philharmonic says that the resources it is losing are directly impacting on its education programme. Can the Minister assure us that this is on the agenda in the UK-EU reset talks?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I thank the noble Baroness. We have discussed cabotage in this Chamber before. It is extremely complex. I do not know how it could have come about that it was not foreseen that having to stop at all the different borders of EU countries would not present an enormous problem.
This issue is certainly on the agenda generally and is the subject of discussions. I look forward to the outcome of many of these discussions, and particularly the outcome of the summit itself, which is going to be a very important and wider moment in terms of bringing politicians and officials together on a whole range of issues.
US Tariff on UK Films
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I am not sure where to start with that one, to be quite honest. I think we have heard all the way through the difficulties that the Brexit agreement has left our creative industries with. I cannot subscribe to the opinion that the noble Lord has put forward. These are indeed interesting times. When I woke up this morning and heard the news about an announcement later today—sometimes you feel like putting your head back under the duvet. But there you go. The noble Lord is entitled to his opinion, but it is not one that we share.
Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (LD)
My Lords, while the T-word across the pond is “tariffs”, here our film industry has been thriving thanks to tax credits. They have been a game-changer—the kind of investment that President Trump wants to repatriate. Whatever his plans—and I think the Minister mentioned this—should we not be looking to make our industry more resilient? Will the Government act to tackle the film skills issue with strategic thinking? If the answer is, “with the forthcoming creative industries industrial strategy”, when will we see the results? I hope that they will be of a cross-departmental nature.
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
The noble Baroness touches on an issue very close to my heart. I find it absolutely fascinating that, as a high-profile industry, the film industry is not more attractive to young people coming through the system. There has to be much greater awareness of what is involved. We also want to make sure that careers in screen are accessible to everyone. Of course, we have the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority working with us, and our “make work pay” initiatives. There is much going into this, but I completely recognise the further work that needs to be done linking to curriculum changes, attracting young people in, but protecting those who are already in the industry.
Europe: Arts and Creative Industries
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I also add my thanks to the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, and all other Members of this House for raising these matters repeatedly; it is important to focus on what is happening. I note very carefully the comments made by the noble Lord, Lord Wigley, and, obviously, we shall be having an interesting debate later today about Welsh opera, for example. These relationships are critical, and I will take back the noble Lord’s comments.
Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (LD)
My Lords, last week the Prime Minister launched the Plan for Change—a great statement of support for our creative industries, because it was launched at Pinewood Studios. However, those industries are crying out for us to rebuild ties with Europe. Our young people are being cut off from European culture, and vice versa, yet the relatively narrow youth mobility scheme suggested by the EU has been rejected by the Prime Minister. Can the Minister explain why?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
To reiterate my earlier comments, the negotiations are ongoing, and it would not be appropriate to go into the detail of where we are. Let us be honest: this is incredibly complicated. I do not think anyone really understood the level of complexity involved in leaving the EU and all its greater implications. I hear the noble Baroness’s comments; they will be fed in. I am very heartened by the change in relationships, the willingness to embrace and have discussions, and, most importantly, collaboration with the wider sector, which will absolutely direct the course of travel.