General election: Arts sector reacts to ‘rejection of hard Brexit’

Arts leaders have called for clarity and a re-considered approach to Brexit in response to yesterday’s general election, which left the Conservatives as the largest party but unable to form a majority Government single-handedly.

Sector bodies including the Creative Industries Federation (CIF), UK Music and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) told AP about the importance of securing a favourable departure from the European Union (EU), although they were quick to emphasise the uncertainty brought about by the prospect of a coalition government.

The Conservatives, which has secured 318 seats – just eight short of a majority – are rumoured to have negotiated a deal with the 10 MPs provided by Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, although the nature of such a partnership remains unclear.

“Today’s result raises concerns about the political stability of the UK in the short term,” John Kampfner, Chief Executive of CIF, said. “One thing is beyond doubt, however: Theresa May has seen that there is no clear mandate for the Government to negotiate a hard Brexit.”

Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the ISM, said: “The results of the General Election poses a situation more complex than could have ever been predicted…The incoming Government must listen to the music industry and the creative industries. We are the future in this uncertain world.”

Brexit

With face-to-face Brexit negotiations with the EU due to begin in ten days, the UK’s departure from the EU remains of central importance to the arts sector.

CIF’s Kampfner said: “Federation members were 96% in favour of remaining in the EU when surveyed before the referendum. They saw Brexit is a threat to the continued success of the creative industries, damaging growth and the UK’s global outlook. This general election vote now offers the opportunity to look at the issue again.

“The Federation will push for the UK to remain in the single market and the customs union, and against undue restrictions on free movement, which we know will damage the capacity of the creative industries to deliver. Non-UK EU nationals are an important part of the creative economy.”

Prior to the election, One Dance UK and CIF called for policies that minimise the impact of Brexit on creative workers, with CIF also recommending the development of a visa system that would make it easier for creative talent to flow into and out of the country.

Speaking about last night’s results, UK Music Chief Executive Michael Dugher said the industry organisation will “await developments” as the situation continues to unfold in the coming days.

“But over the coming weeks there will be many discussions about the future direction the country will take,” he added. “It is paramount that the interests of the music industry are fully considered in those conversations and we look forward to engaging positively and working closely with the new parliament and the next government.

“The political parties each made welcome commitments to build on the successes of creative industries, and music in particular, throughout the election campaign. We will be holding their feet to the fire to ensure that they deliver on those pledges.

“Brexit is clearly the biggest issue facing the country – and our industry – and we will ensure that the interests of our members across the music industry are protected.”

Annetts added: "As reported only yesterday, 2016 was a record year for music thanks to UK artists. To date, the creative industries contribute £87.4 billion to the UK economy.

"But the only way we are to continue this success when other parts of the economy are beginning to struggle, is to ensure freedom of movement for the music community and an education policy which guarantees the creation of the talent for the future."

Arts education

Reacting to the news, leading dance organisation One Dance UK once again focused on arts education, building on its recent calls for dance to have the “same status as music, maths and English” in the curriculum.

“During this period of uncertainty, One Dance UK will maintain continuity in terms of the good work and relationships we’ve built with Government,” Andrew Hurst, Chief Executive of One Dance UK, told AP.

“We will be driving forward the pledges in our General Election Dance Manifesto, recognising the unique and important role which dance has to play in education, health and wellbeing, community, cohesion, social mobility and diversity as well as being a great UK art form.”

Political commitments

Given the uncertainty about the nature of the Conservative deal with the DUP, and repeated calls for Prime Minister Theresa May to resign, the extent to which the party's cultural manifesto pledges will remain priorities is also unclear.

In its manifesto, the Conservative party committed to the creation of a new cultural development fund, which would “use cultural investment to turn around communities,” although it did not disclose how much money would be available.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to 90% of GCSE pupils taking the English Baccalaureate combination of academic GCSEs, which excludes arts subjects and is opposed by many in the sector.