UK Music welcomes new Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden

13 February 2020 - Press release

UK Music Acting CEO Tom Kiehl has welcomed the Prime Minister’s appointment of Oliver Dowden MP as Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.  


Commenting, Mr Kiehl said:
“Congratulations to Oliver Dowden. He is the right appointment at the right time.

“There’s a huge opportunity to grow our £5.2 billion music industry. Tackling issues around our talent pipeline, making the UK home to the world’s strongest copyright framework and supporting music venues are priorities. Developing fiscal incentives, new trade agreements and support for our £2.7 billion export revenues need to taken forward too. By working closely with the Government we can also protect international touring and enhance diversity in our 190,000 strong workforce.

“I would also like to place on record our thanks to Baroness Morgan for supporting UK Music in her time as Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.”

Mr Kiehl also paid tribute to Labour MP Kevin Brennan after he stood down as Shadow Culture Minister and moved to take up a new role on the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

Mr Kiehl said: “Kevin Brennan has been a fantastic supporter of the UK music industry and a powerful advocate for our biggest campaigns - business rate relief for music venues and #LoveMusic to mention two. We wish him well and look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role on the DCMS Select Committee.”