Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karen Bradley and George Kerevan

Thursday 9th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[George Kerevan (East Lothian) (SNP)]

3. What assessment she has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the creative industries.

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Karen Bradley)]

The Government want to ensure the best deal for Britain on leaving the European Union and to provide as much certainty as we can. The creative industries are one of the UK’s greatest success stories, contributing more than £87 billion to the economy and more than £19 billion in exports. I am confident that that will continue when we leave the European Union, and we have been working with the industry to ensure that that is the case.

[George Kerevan]

I am sure the Secretary of State has her favourite rock band, so could she assure us that the Government are taking steps to ensure that increased carnet costs and work visa requirements do not kill off UK musicians’ ability to tour European venues post-Brexit?

[Karen Bradley]

It has been pointed out by hon. Friends behind me that we have moved from brass bands to rock bands—that was a nice segue by the hon. Gentleman. The point is that the UK music industry is a global leader—it is a leader not just in 27 European Union countries, but around the world. It is British bands that are touring around the world. I understand the hon. Gentleman’s point, and I am working closely with the industry to ensure that we get the very best deal for British music not only in Europe, but around the world.