Tom Kiehl, acting CEO of UK Music, has reinforced the UK’s bid to ensure fair reward for musicians after the new Minister for Intellectual Property delivered a positive response on the issue.

In a letter to Kiehl, Amanda Solloway, MP for Derby North, said that “music creators need to be fairly remunerated by platforms when their works are used online”.

Responding to a letter in which Kiehl outlined his concerns, Solloway said: “I understand your concerns that music creators need to be fairly remunerated by platforms when their works are used online.” 

Solloway continued: “This is something I agree with, which is why the Government worked hard in the Directive negotiations to secure a good outcome for our creators. Although the UK will not be implementing the Directive now that we have left the EU, our support for creators has not changed.

“This Government recognises the importance and value of our successful music industry. The UK copyright framework must provide fair rewards for creators in the online ecosystem, while taking into account the needs of consumers and ensuring a thriving digital economy.”

This Government recognises the importance and value of our successful music industry

Amanda Solloway MP

Solloway confirmed that the Department for Business and the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport plans to stage a series of events with music industry leaders across 2020.

Kiehl has welcomed the news. “It is very encouraging to get such strong support for the music industry and to hear that the Minister believes that creators must be fairly paid for their talent,” he said.

“This commitment from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy follows earlier reassurances from the former Culture Minister Nigel Adams about the Government’s determination to secure a positive outcome for music creators.

Kiehl added: “We look forward to continuing to press the case for copyright safeguards and the other issues facing the music industry at the forthcoming roundtables with the Government. This is a critical time for the UK music industry which faces a number of challenges in the months ahead. We will continue to work with the Government to drive forward our world-leading industry.”

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