Covid-19: Museums, Galleries and Historic Buildings Debate
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Baroness Randerson
Main Page: Baroness Randerson (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Randerson's debates with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Covid-19: Museums, Galleries and Historic Buildings
Baroness Randerson Excerpts(4 years, 5 months ago)
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Baroness Randerson (LD)
Almost two decades ago, when I was Minister for Culture in Wales, we successfully introduced free entry to museums. Some time later, England followed our lead. This has opened up many museums to all—a big social change. UK museums have an international reputation for excellence and accessibility. Government money will be very tight in future and it will be tempting to cut the culture budget. Understandably, in the public mind, money for theatres does not win against money for operating theatres. I urge the Government not to fall into the trap of abandoning free entry or cutting support for museums. They need more, not less. They are good for education, our mental health and tourism. We will need them more than ever.
The Deputy Speaker
I shall try calling again the noble Lords, Lord Griffiths of Burry Port and Lord Wei. They are not here.