Karen Bradley has been appointed as the new culture secretary in Theresa May’s reshuffled cabinet.
Bradley, replaces former culture secretary John Whittingdale, who was sacked by the new prime minister earlier today.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive BPI and BRIT Awards, told Music Week: “We warmly welcome the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Karen Bradley to her role at this crucial time for our world-beating Creative Industries. The high level of investment and expertise provided by UK record labels powers the phenomenal success of British music and as Government looks to develop new trading relationships, it can be confident that wherever it goes around the world, its Ministers will be meeting fans of our music. The creativity of our artists and labels must be protected and rewarded, and we look forward to working with the Culture Secretary to forge an environment in which British music enjoys even greater success on the world stage.”
“We would also like to thank John Whittingdale for his consistent and strong support for our industry, which we are sure will continue."
Speaking to Music Week, the trade body's CEO, Jo Dipple, said: "UK Music welcomes the appointment of Karen Bradley, as the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and looks forward to working closely together to promote continued British music success at home and abroad. Music supports more than 117,000 jobs in the UK and contributed £4.1bn to the economy in 2014. British artists dominate the global charts and our live music industry is the envy of the world with attendance in excess of 27.7 million at UK live events last year.
"Having previously worked as a minister within the Home Office, Bradley will now be representing the many post-Brexit challenges facing the creative industries and music sector directly within Government.
"Her experience in business and finance prior to entering Parliament should provide understanding as we look to sure up continued growth and prosperity for the industry. This is especially key given that music exports helped drive sector-growth that has outperformed the wider economy year-on-year since 2013. Her Home Office brief covered online abuse and exploitation, which will also provide valuable experience and insight into the complex digital landscape, as we continue to fight for fairer rights and compensation for our creators and businesses.
"We also welcome the appointment of Greg Clark as Secretary of State for the new Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department.
"UK Music would like to thank the outgoing Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale MP who proved himself not only a huge music fan but a great ally and champion of British music at home and abroad.
"UK Music has strong cross-party support from MPs on all sides of the house and will continue to work closely with them and the All Party Parliamentary Group to prioritise and vocalise music policy within Westminster."
