Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Rodda and Margot James

Thursday 11th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

8. What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the creative industries of the UK leaving the EU.

[The Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries (Margot James)]

The effect of leaving the European Union on the UK creative industries will depend on the manner of our departure. We are engaging with businesses up and down the country, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to understand their concerns and to ensure that they are aware of Government advice, and we will continue that engagement. The UK’s creative and cultural industries are respected the world over. They are an economic powerhouse, exporting services that were worth £27 billion in 2016, and we are determined to continue our support for them.

[Matt Rodda]

I thank the Minister for her answer. Is she aware of the scale of the concern in the Thames Valley, which is an important centre for both the IT and creative industries? When will she be able to reassure local small businesses that are thinking of relocating to the EU that the Government have a realistic plan for Brexit?

[Margot James]

I am very aware of the businesses in the sectors that the hon. Gentleman describes—and not just in his area—and their concerns. We are doing our best to reassure them about access to capital and talent post-Brexit, and we are well aware of their concerns.