Earlier today, Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, Nickie Aiken, gave the following speech in support of our arts and cultural sectors in the House of Commons.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
I would like to begin by paying tribute to the arts and culture sector, which has been so deeply affected by the fallout of the pandemic, but they have never given up.
I also pay tribute to those in my own constituency, the home of the West End and Theatreland, renowned museums, art galleries, and music venues, to individuals, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Nica Burns, and to the Society of London Theatres.
And so many more who have never accepted defeat and have carried on seeking solutions so they can open safely.
The arts provide huge benefits to the UK's economy, providing billions of pounds to the Exchequer.
And I'd like to pay tribute, also, to ministers of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, who have appreciated how strongly the arts mean to the economy.
And they have had unwavering support for the arts, lobbying the Treasury for financial support, which we saw in the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, and now today, the £408 million grants announced to help reopen.
Madam Deputy Speaker, it is now about how we reopen.
We have got dates, we've got a roadmap which is great, but we do need to address the issues around social distancing outlined in paragraph 145 of the roadmap.
I know that LW Theatres are moving ahead with their own research and development for making their venues COVID secure but are finding roadblocks.
Currently, the HSE policy does not allow for any spraying or misting of disinfectant or cleaning products. This is an excellent solution for indoor venues which can be used across the country. I would like to see the government put pressure on the HSE, and persuade them to update their policy, so we can allow this to happen.
I know that many in the arts are waiting to hear from the Chancellor when he unveils his Budget tomorrow and are hoping for good news on ongoing support for business rates, for VAT on tickets, also theatre tax relief.
To extend it to digital performances without a physical audience.
And obviously, ongoing review of the self-employed support that is so needed for those who are within the creative freelance industries.
I know how badly affected they have been, the excluded, and we do need to address their ongoing concerns.
Madam Deputy Speaker, there is a light at the end of what has now been a very dark tunnel.
Now is the time to work together on how we can work together to open safely.
I urge the government to undertake a major marketing campaign, to promote confidence of people to return and enjoy everything our wonderful arts have to offer.
Thank you.
You can watch Nickie’s speech in full above.
