Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of Brexit on (1) UK authors, poets, translators and illustrators, and (2) the wider UK publishing industry, in the case of (a) a negotiated Brexit deal and (b) no deal.

Delivering the EU Exit deal remains the Government’s top priority. Officials have met with industry representatives to discuss EU exit issues and will continue to do so.

We recognise the economic and cultural importance of UK publishing and literature, with the UK’s vibrant book and journal industry worth £4.4bn. The UK produces an extraordinary level of talent in literature and publishing and the decision to leave the EU will not change that.

The UK exports books to every region in the world, with exports of physical and digital books worth £1.42bn. . Whether the UK leaves the EU with a deal or not, we will be able to negotiate, ratify and sign off trade agreements once we have left the EU and we want the UK to continue to be one of the best places in the world for literature and publishing.