Statements on the UK's stance on the EU Copyright Directive

28 January 2020 - Press release

IMPALA
The European copyright directive brings clear benefits for creators, citizens and of course start-ups. It was years in the making and should also beavailable in the UK.

The UK has always taken a lead in Europe on these issues. When the directive was being voted, the conservative government agreed that the UK should vote in favour, based on the merits of the legislation. It's illogical not to deliver the results now. 

Many UK members of the European parliament fought extremely hard for more than three years. They took risks to make sure the directive would be approved. And now, creators from their own country may not be able to benefit from it. That would be a hard pill to swallow. 

We would hope that the debate will continue as we believe the incentives are clear. As the leading music market in Europe, it is important that the UK doesn't have a second-rate copyright system and lag behind its continental European sisters. 

Of course this is not just about the music sector. UK citizens should be able to benefit from the new provisions clarifying that responsibility lies with platforms, not users. UK start-ups should also be allowed access to the special light regime the directive introduces.

The good news is that the UK can align its legislation even if it doesn't adopt the directive as such. In other words, it can still deliver on its promises and remain a leader in Europe.

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PRS for Music
Andrea C. Martin, CEO of PRS for Music said: "We acknowledge the political reasons behind this announcement, but that doesn't change the fact that in some areas the UK's current copyright framework is failing to protect creators. This lack of clarity will stifle the UK's creative sector – one of our engines for growth. If our creator community is not going to benefit from the same level of protection as those in Europe, we urge the government to set out clearly and quickly how it will ensure the UK remains an attractive home for creative businesses and their rights."