Leading cultural figures urge electorate to vote Labour

More than 100 leading actors, directors and artists have signed a letter calling for voters to end the “political chaos of recent years” by backing Labour.

The letter, published in The Times, said a Labour victory would bring economic stability "so that the creative industries can make secure long-term investments and grow their business”.

Signatories include Director Sir Nicholas Hytner, actress Imelda Staunton and actor Sir Patrick Stewart.

"We want a government that will value the creative industries and put them at the heart of the drive for growth," the letter states. 

"Our industry would benefit from the ambition of a Labour government. That means ensuring a creative education for every child and transforming the apprenticeship levy.

"Labour has shown that it wants to work with every part of the creative industries with a bold and sensible strategy for the creative industries sector."