Grass-roots Music Venues

Lord Brennan of Canton Excerpts

Monday 26th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

As noble Lords will know, I am very happy to agree with the noble Earl on the last point he raises: the incredibly damaging effect of Brexit on that sector in particular. He will like to know that, along with the EU, we have jointly recognised the value of travel and cultural artistic exchanges, including the activities of touring artists, and we will continue our efforts to support travel and cultural exchange. We will explore how best to improve arrangements for touring across the European continent with the EU and other EU member states.

[Lord Brennan of Canton (Lab)]

My Lords, the Minister will be aware that I am leading a fan-led review of live music as commissioned by the Culture Committee in the House of Commons. One of the things that comes clearly from fans’ voices is that they are happy to pay a levy if they know it is going to grass-roots music venues in order to support them, unlike the obscure levies they sometimes have to pay, or other service charges on top of ticket prices. With that in mind, will the Government commit in the forthcoming ticketing legislation to include taking powers for a statutory levy just in case the voluntary levy does not work out?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I am very grateful to my noble friend for the work he is doing in the review he mentions. I do not think it is for me to commit the Government to that specific point, but I will of course take it back and discuss it with colleagues in other departments as well.