Arts Education

Baroness Deech Excerpts

Tuesday 7th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The Arts Council has produced details of a new portfolio process, following guidance that we published in September, with decisions by July 2027 for funding commencing from April the following year. Some of this work has to be done in tandem. We are trying to work through the recommendations as quickly as possible, focusing on the most significant first. I appreciate that people and organisations want certainty. If there are any organisations that the noble Lord is aware of that have concerns, I ask him to please direct them my way.

[Baroness Deech (CB)]

My Lords, is the Minister aware of the report by Freedom in the Arts which has exposed a toxic culture of boycotts and hatred in the arts, especially against Jewish-themed performances and artists, including, for example, harassment of the wholly admirable Dame Maureen Lipman, who now needs security? What can the Government do to ensure that the reputation of British culture is restored and kept open for all legal performances?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The noble Baroness highlights a topic that will be the subject of a debate later in the week in Grand Committee. I am happy to meet the noble Baroness to talk through the issues she raises. I encourage any noble Lord who wants to sign up to the Grand Committee debate on Thursday to do so by 5 pm today.