UK Music unveils expert panel of senior MPs and business leaders to discuss post-Brexit music industry at SXSW 2019

18 February 2019 - Press release

UK Music today unveiled a stellar line up of senior MPs and music business leaders for SXSW 2019 to discuss how to maintain the UK’s world-leading music industry after Brexit. 

Chaired by UK Music CEO Michael Dugher, the high-level panel is set to include senior Conservative MP Damian Collins, chair of the influential House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. 

The event will take place on Tuesday March 12 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at the British Music Embassy at Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto) in Austin, Texas. 

Titled “UK Music Presents: How do we maintain the UK music industry’s global success after Brexit?”, the other panellists are set to include: Labour MP Julie Elliott MP (Labour member of the DCMS Select Committee), Peter Leathem (CEO, PPL), Nigel Elderton (Chair, PRS for Music), Vanessa Reed (CEO, PRS Foundation). 

The recent work of the DCMS Select Committee has included an inquiry into the economic, cultural and social benefits of live music. 

The committee has also recently hit the headlines for its inquiry into disinformation and “fake news” in an attempt to hold Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg to account. 

The panel will consider the international implications, challenges and opportunities for music and talent development for the UK music industry – which contributes £4.5bn a year to the economy – following the decision to leave the EU.  

For the first time, UK Music is an official partner at the British Music Embassy – the UK residency at SXSW. 

UK Music CEO Michael Dugher said: 

“UK Music are proud to be official partners at the British Music Embassy and we’re delighted to be hosting such a fantastic panel of experts at SXSW this year. 

“Damian Collins is one of the most respected and influential MPs, whose voice is listened to across the House of Commons and in the corridors of power. 

“Equally, Julie Elliott MP is a hugely talented and formidable campaigner. It’s great they will join Peter Leathem, Nigel Elderton and Vanessa Reed, who are some of the most important and respected industry voices. 

“SXSW promises to be a fantastic showcase of the best of new British talent.  The UK Music event could not come at a more critical time for the UK music industry with so many vital questions about the impact of Brexit remain unanswered. 

“We hope to explore some of those issues and look at wider solutions to maintain the outstanding global success of the UK music business and safeguard the future of the talent pipeline”. 

Damian Collins MP, Chair of the DCMS Committee said: 

“Our recent inquiry into Live Music highlighted the amazing global impact of the UK music scene, its iconic venues, festivals and talent. 

“The SXSW Music Festival and the British Music Embassy are important for showcasing the strength of UK talent to new audiences, and we welcome this opportunity to discuss practical solutions for supporting that talent into the future post-Brexit, including the recommendations that came out of our inquiry.” 

Julie Elliott MP, member of the DCMS Committee and Labour MP said: 

“It was clear from our inquiry that there is appetite around the world for British music, so it is important that we continue to champion and support those audiences who love live music. 

“But we also heard concerns from across the industry about the potential impact of Brexit, including on the ease with which musicians can tour to and from the UK. I look forward to discussing these issues with the panel.”