Generative AI: Intellectual Property Rights

Lord Spellar Excerpts

Monday 11th November 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

The noble Lord is quite right: we have to find a way forward that reflects the importance of both these sectors to our economy. The creative industries are one of the UK’s most powerful economic activities, worth £124 billion in GVA at the moment, so they are hugely important. We know that we have to respect the creative sector and the journalists working in it, but equally, we know that the future will be about an enhanced AI system. More and more businesses in the UK are now using AI, so that is the way forward and we have to find a way through this, but there is not a simple answer. I assure noble Lords that my colleagues, particularly Chris Bryant and Feryal Clark, are very aware of this issue. It has to be resolved but we would just ask for a little bit more space to allow us to make some progress.

[Lord Spellar (Lab)]

My Lords, the Minister rightly referenced the importance of the cultural sector not only to our national life but particularly to our economy. Does not the music sector, in particular, require a pipeline of talent and the protection, therefore, of the original work to enable people to develop their skills but also to make a living? Should this not be a crucial part of any such policy?

[Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab)]

My noble friend makes a very good point, and I can assure him that my colleague Chris Bryant is very aware of this; he will know of his passion for this issue. We are working on finding a way forward, and I can assure my noble friend that no stone will remain unturned as we try to do so. I hope to come back with a further progress report in the very near future.