Speeches by Alaba.

“rose—”

“I appreciate the tone with which the Secretary of State is conducting this discussion, and I thank him for that. Having spent two decades running businesses and projects in the creative sector before entering this House, may I ask the Secretary of State to confirm when the Government intend to bring forward the promise…”

“The Kursaal in Southend—the site of the first theme park in Europe—and the Freight House in Rochford were once iconic venues in my community and central to the night-time economy. Over the last 14 years, venues have been forced to close and heritage buildings have been left empty. What steps are the Minister and his Ca…”

“7. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support growth in the night-time economy in Essex.”

“Okay, thank you. Nancy, you mentioned earlier about the ecosystem. Something that we have not mentioned is the ecosystem of talent, I suppose. We have referenced the venues, radio stations, record labels, all those key stakeholders in nurturing and spotting talent. Do you think that has an impact on spotting talent and…”

“Thank you. The Government have now said that they will introduce a statutory levy if discussions do not result in progress. Are sceptics and holdouts on the levy apathetic towards this outcome? That is to all of you. Who would like to take that first?”

“Steve, would you like to add anything?”

“Thank you, Steve. When you are looking at the challenges of putting bans on touring and then you look at the possibility of the voluntary levy, do you think that the adoption of the levy is something that people within that ecosystem would embrace as mandatory or voluntarily?”

“Okay, thank you. Nancy, you mentioned earlier about the ecosystem. Something that we have not mentioned is the ecosystem of talent, I suppose. We have referenced the venues, radio stations, record labels, all those key stakeholders in nurturing and spotting talent. Do you think that has an impact on spotting talent and…”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. The Government have now said that they will introduce a statutory levy if discussions do not result in progress. Are sceptics and holdouts on the levy apathetic towards this outcome? That is to all of you. Who would like to take that first?”

“You trust the LIVE Trust to—”

“Brilliant. Thank you, Jon. Nancy, this a question to you: how can we make sure stadium shows as well as arenas are also in the scope of the levy?”

“My next question is: how do you respond to concerns that, by relying on artists who advocate for the levy, the burden will fall mainly on them, including those who are not at arena or stadium level? That is a question to you, Jon.”

“Some artists have chosen to donate directly to the Trust, so where does this leave the LIVE Trust and its commitment to venues, artists, festivals, and promoters?”

“Yes. They have donated directly to the Music Venue Trust.”

“Steve and Nancy, would you like to add to that?”

“You trust the LIVE Trust to—”

“Good morning, Jon. What tangible progress has been made on levy negotiations since the previous report?”

“Okay. The Music Venue Trust—we have spoken about this earlier today—says that 7.5% of shows announced since 18 December have pledged to donate. My question, probably to all of you, but I will start with you, Jon. Is that enough? Is that sufficient progress?”