Speeches by Alaba.

“I thought I was talking to the Prime Minister for a minute. I am impressed. Nancy, can I come to you, please? Again, the same question to you. So, is this good progress?”

“Brilliant. My next question is to all of you. Prior to coming into Parliament, my background was in the creative sector as a promoter, a venue owner and a show producer. Therefore, in terms of the tribulations of trying to support, spot and nurture talent, I do understand. The blanket levy is also a policy that would c…”

“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?”

“Yes.”

“In terms of the promoters and the arenas, as an industry, you both feel that you will trust yourselves to think collectively in terms of the levy introduction?”

“The last to you, Jon.”

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

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

“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?”

“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.”

“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?”

“The last to you, Jon.”

“In terms of the promoters and the arenas, as an industry, you both feel that you will trust yourselves to think collectively in terms of the levy introduction?”

“You trust the LIVE Trust to—”

“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?”

“Yes.”

“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, 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?”

“Steve, would you like to add anything?”