Europe: Arts and Creative Industries
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Wigley
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I thank the noble Earl. We had a very interesting conversation. There tends to be an assumption that we are talking about music when we talk about touring, but it covers the broadest range of elements, including fashion, gaming and so many things. We make it clear that we are looking to reset the relationship with Europe. We are not talking about returning to where we were. There has already been high-level engagement with the Prime Minister on several occasions and with other Ministers, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer met Finance Ministers for the first time just yesterday. These are the conversations we are having with great urgency on how we can address some of the problems.
Lord Wigley (PC)
My Lords, I thank the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, for the way he has stuck to this agenda, and for the service he has given to the arts in so doing. In the review that the Minister is undertaking, will she understand that many aspects of the arts and culture are devolved, whereas trade is not? Therefore, can she set up a mechanism for co-ordinating with the devolved regimes to help advise the Government on the course they may take?
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.
London Underground
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Wigley
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
As a founder member of Transport for the North, I can only agree with my noble friend’s pertinent comments. I welcome the fact that significant discussions are happening with the regional mayors and that we have on the table a five-year £5.7 billion investment to improve transport networks across the regions. However, we all recognise the contribution of London to the economy of the whole country, and we want to make sure that investment in the regions complements the success in London and spreads wealth and prosperity around all the regions.
Lord Wigley (PC)
Does the Minister accept that expenditure on railways in Wales has been quite significant recently but is still short of what is needed? There is a feeling that the formula for distribution of resources does not adequately respond to the needs of the railway system in Wales. Will she look at this and discuss it with her colleagues in Cardiff?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
As someone who was diverted on a journey from Cornwall to Leeds via Newport, I understand where the noble Lord is coming from. Of course, discussions with the devolved nations are absolutely central to our overall ambition for growth across all the regions and nations in contributing to the economy of the whole country.