Tag: Department for Culture and Media

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 16 July 2025.

Representatives of both sectors in newly formed expert working groups on AI and copyright.

• Representatives of the creative industries and the AI sector to make up newly formed expert working groups on AI and copyright as part of Plan for Change.
• Groups will play a vital role in helping to drive forward practical, workable solutions.
• Expert groups launch today, as the Technology and Culture Secretaries Chair first round of talks in London.

The Technology and Culture Secretaries kickstart the next phase of work today (Wednesday 16 July) to help deliver a solution which will support AI innovation while ensuring robust protection for our creators and vibrant creative industries as part of the Plan for Change.

A consultation on the UK’s legal framework for copyright which explores how the government can deliver solutions supporting both the creative industries and the AI sector was launched in December last year, attracting 11,500 responses. Close collaboration on the issues raised across the debate has been central to the government’s approach – ensuring both sectors not only have the support they need to drive further growth, but that the British public can share in the successes of 2 sectors which are crucial to the Modern Industrial Strategy.

Representatives of both the AI sector and creative industries have engaged widely with Ministers throughout the consultation process, and the formal launch of new, expert working groups will continue to ensure both sectors play a vital role in supporting the work which will drive forward practical, workable solutions to foster innovation and growth.

Representatives of the creative and AI sectors will now gather in London in the first of a series of regular planned meetings, with the groups made up of key industry figures. They include representatives of:

• News Media Association
• Alliance for IP
• Sony Music Entertainment
• Publishers Association
• The Guardian
• Open AI
• Amazon
• Meta

Today’s discussions mark the first in a series of planned talks, and will initially focus on the impacts, opportunities, and common ground in the AI and copyright debate, with their work then helping to inform next steps following the conclusion of the government’s consultation.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

I am determined to harness expert insights from across the debate as we work together to deliver a solution that brings the legal clarity our creative industries and AI sector badly need in the digital age.

Today’s meeting and the formation of these expert working groups will continue to ensure all voices can be heard so we can reset and refocus on how we can deliver precisely that.

The work we’ll be taking forward in the coming months will ensure we can work in partnership to deliver a fresh start for creatives and AI developers alike.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Our world-class creative industries are a key part of our economy which create jobs and drive growth right across the country. These sectors have been recognised as a priority sector by the government and I am fully focused on supporting them to flourish.

We have heard loud and clear the concerns from the creative industries around AI and copyright and these roundtables will give us another chance to consider the best way forward.

We have committed to ensuring a copyright regime that values and protects human creativity, can be trusted and unlocks new opportunities for innovation across the creative sector and wider economy.

Both sectors are a vital part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, and the AI and Copyright consultation considered a broad range of issues in the copyright debate, including how right holders can have a better understanding of how AI developers are using their material and how it has been obtained.

The consultation also explored how access to high-quality data can be improved for AI developers – bolstering their ability to innovate and drive the growth which underpins the government’s Plan for Change.

Today’s talks will also contribute to finalising Terms of Reference for the expert working groups moving forward as they feed into wider discussions with both sectors.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 July 2025.

National two-minute silence will be held at 12 noon on 15 August 2025 to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

• Event at National Memorial Arboretum to honour VJ veterans will be broadcast live
• Red Arrows will join historic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft for flypast over national VJ Day 80 commemorations

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in a national two-minute silence on Friday 15 August to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

A Service of Remembrance will honour and remember those who fought and died during the Second World War in the Far East at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which will be broadcast live on BBC1 from midday.

It will host a spectacular tribute to veterans involving 400 members of the Armed Forces, the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

This follows four days of events in May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.

However, at that time 80 years ago, thousands of British and Commonwealth military personnel continued to fight Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for a further three months when Victory over Japan (VJ Day) was declared on 15 August 1945, following Imperial Japan’s surrender to Allied Forces. Alongside British Armed Forces, hundreds of thousands of people served in the Far East from countries including pre-partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and from African nations.

The Service of Remembrance will be run in partnership with the Royal British Legion and will be attended by Second World War veterans, VJ association members, senior politicians, and military personnel. It will pay tribute to the British, Commonwealth and Allied veterans who served in the Far East theatres of war, the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories.

The event will include a guard of honour of Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and music provided by military bands. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will lead a breathtaking flypast featuring the historic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircrafts.

Veterans attending will include Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans and those involved in the Battles of Kohima and Imphal, as well as Prisoners of War held across the region and veterans stationed in the UK or Commonwealth countries, who contributed to the war effort.

The service is a ticketed event, but members of the public visiting the Arboretum on the day are invited to observe the two-minute silence and watch the service on large screens at a nearby public viewing area.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Those who continued to fight bravely in Asia and the Pacific in those last few months of the Second World War must never be forgotten.

It is so important for us as a nation to come together on this important anniversary to remember our VJ Day veterans and hear their stories first-hand so we can ensure that their legacy is passed on to future generations and their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

VJ Day was the final victory in a war that changed the world, and we honour those who served in the Far East with enduring gratitude.

Just as we proudly marked VE Day, we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many to secure peace.

Their legacy must never be forgotten, and it’s our duty to pass their stories on to future generations.

Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

We encourage everyone across the country to take a moment to reflect during the two-minute silence on VJ Day, to watch the Service of Remembrance live on the BBC or at the Arboretum, and pay tribute to those from Britain and across the Commonwealth who fought in the Far East in the Second World War.

It was so moving to see the nation come together for VE80 and to be putting veterans at the heart of these commemorations – now we have one of our last chances to honour all those VJ Day veterans whose service and sacrifice finally brought an end to the War.

Second World War veteran and RBL ambassador Tom Berry, 101, from Cheshire, who was serving on HMS Tartar in the Pacific when Japan surrendered, said:

For veterans like me and all those who carried on fighting until VJ Day was announced, this will be a very emotional day – a moment in history. I’ll be watching the service at home, and I’d ask the country to do the same – to stop and remember all those who gave so much for our freedoms, and those who never made it back.

The national commemorations will commence with a government reception to celebrate VJ Day with veterans.

Government buildings and High Commissions across the globe will also be lit up on 15 August to commemorate VJ Day.

In addition, Imperial War Museums (IWM) will be screening I Saw The World End, a digital public artwork by celebrated artist and designer Es Devlin, at Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday 6th August to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

IWM will also invite visitors to reflect on the events leading up to the end of the Second World War through paper dove and crane making activities at IWM London and IWM North.

On VJ Day itself, IWM will premiere a new contemporary film exploring the events and significance of VJ Day and the war in Asia and the Pacific. The film, which can be seen at IWM North and outdoor screens in locations across the UK, is produced in partnership with SODA (School of Digital Arts), part of Manchester Metropolitan University. A new augmented reality experience at IWM North will also engage audiences in a deeper exploration of the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific and its significance, bringing to life some of the personal stories, sound and film from IWM’s collection.

Following the success of IWM’s VE Day Letters to Loved Ones initiative, the public are asked to delve into their family history to find letters sent by relatives to loved ones that provide fresh insight and first-hand testimonies of VJ Day and the war in the Far East. Digital copies can be uploaded onto the official VE/VJ80 website.

James Taylor, IWM’s Principal Curator of Public History said:

The story of the Second World does not finish with VE Day on 8 May 1945, with intense fighting in Asia and the Pacific continuing for another three months, and the destruction of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Through this varied programme of activities, we will shine a light on these often-overlooked stories from the final months of the Second World War. Through public film screenings, digital experiences, and artist commissions, IWM will give people the opportunity to delve deeper into the significance of the war in Asia and the Pacific and its lasting global impact.

The Government is working with partners across the UK, including the Devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure commemorations are inclusive and UK-wide.

The Commonwealth War Graves will continue their Every Story For Evermore campaign through events, new content, and augmented reality tours at international sites. These will include Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries at Nairobi in Kenya, Sai Wan in Hong Kong, Kranji in Singapore, Kanchanaburi in Thailand, and Yokohama in Japan. This will enable international audiences to learn about the men and women who continued to serve in the Second World War after VE Day.

Director of Education, Engagement and Volunteering at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Simon Bendry, said:

As part of the anniversary commemorations marking the end of the Second World War, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is encouraging people around the world to pause and reflect on the human cost of conflict.

We commemorate more than 580,000 casualties who died during the Second World War, and we invite the public to ensure their stories are never forgotten by exploring and contributing to our online story collection, For Evermore, and by joining commemorative events taking place across the globe. From sites in the UK to Japan, from Kenya to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, local communities will have opportunities to honour and remember those who gave their lives and acknowledge the huge sacrifices made in pursuit of peace.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 11 July 2025.

A temporary export bar has been placed on a pocket chronometer present on the second voyage of HMS Beagle, well-known for carrying Charles Darwin.

• The pocket chronometer is valued at £200,000
• The export bar will allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the chronometer for the nation – ensuring it can continue to inspire further research and love of learning for future generations

An export bar has been placed on a pocket chronometer in an effort to protect a key piece of the nation’s history and ensure Charles Darwin’s legacy can continue to inspire for generations to come.

The chronometer is known to have travelled on the second voyage of HMS Beagle, from 1831 to 1836, which is a significant part of our history as the voyage is well known for carrying Charles Darwin. This expedition played a role in the development of Darwin’s evolutionary theory, providing him with observations and collections that led to his groundbreaking ideas on evolution by natural selection.

Chronometers are highly accurate timepieces, designed for marine navigation, that measure time with great precision, especially for determining longitude at sea.

This chronometer played a significant role on HMS Beagle’s important second voyage, as the observation chronometer, helping to map the coast of South America. The success of the voyage strengthened Britain’s leading position in navigation, thanks to the use of chronometres, which – when they returned to Britain five years later – had only lost 33 seconds. The voyage also later helped Greenwich become internationally accepted as the Prime Meridian in the 19th century.

Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said:

Charles Darwin is one of the most well-known figures in our history and has inspired many generations. This chronometer played a part in helping his research on evolution and strengthening Britain’s leading position in navigation.

I hope this chronometer can be saved for the nation so we can continue to learn about the fascinating voyage, the legacy of Darwin and improve our knowledge on the use of chronometers for marine navigation.

Committee Member, Tim Pestell said:

HMS Beagle’s second voyage of 1831-36 is most popularly associated with Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking research on evolution. Less well known is that this scientific mission was used by the Royal Navy to test various scientific instruments then at the cutting edge of technology. The chronometer that is the subject of this export bar is central to this story. Made in 1830, it was used on the Beagle in the key role of observation chronometer, helping map the coast of South America and being taken ashore on the Galapagos Islands. Beagle’s success, and the triumph of its chronometers, was shown when it returned to Britain after five years, losing only 33 seconds in time. Having performed a central role in Beagle’s second expedition, it would be a tragedy for this chronometer, named ‘K’ on board, to be lost to the nation. I hope that the placing of an export bar will allow this wonderful timepiece to be acquired by a museum, where its remarkable story, and its place in us understanding our world, can be told to the public.

The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA).

The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the chronometer met the first Waverley criterion for its outstanding connection with our history and national life.

The decision on the export licence application for the chronometer will be deferred for a period ending on 10 October 2025 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the chronometer at the recommended price of £200,000 (plus VAT of £40,000). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.

Notes to editors

1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the panel should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
2. Details of the item are as follows: pocket chronometer in a silver case made by Parkinson & Frodsham, Change Alley, London, 1830. This partnership was active between 1801-1947. Materials include: silver (case); enamel (dial); brass (movement plate & wheels); steel (various components including arbors & balance spring); gold (hands, gilding); diamond (end-stone) and mahogany (box case). The diameter of the case 55 mm.
3. Provenance: 1831 – 1906 Admiralty, London, in sea service.  1906 Taken in exchange from the Admiralty by E.Dent & Co. 4 Royal Exchange & 61 Strand, London By 2010 Watch trade, London, UK 2011 Private Collection, UK, when re-identified. 2023 Martyn Downer Works of Art Ltd. Cambridge.
4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an  independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 23 June 2025.

Thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

• £380 million in targeted funding to support innovation, access to finance, R&D, skills and regional growth across the UK as part of Creative Industries Sector Plan
• Sector Plan set to nearly double business investment in creative industries to £31 billion by 2035 with 2,000 new film and TV apprenticeships to be delivered
• Comes as part of Industrial Strategy which sets out government’s ten-year plan to make the UK the best place to do business and unlock growth as part of the Plan for Change
• New Creative Content Exchange will be a marketplace to sell, buy, license and enable permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets

From grassroots music venues to world-class film studios, thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package.

The investment underpins the Creative Industries Sector Plan, which sets out a clear direction on how the Government aims to build a sector that drives regional growth, is financially resilient and is globally competitive.

Published alongside the Government’s Industrial Strategy today (23 June), the plan outlines a bold vision to nearly double business investment in the sector by 2035 – from £17 billion to £31 billion – cementing the UK’s position as a global creative superpower.

The £380 million package is part of the wider plan to deliver targeted investment to create thousands of new jobs and opportunities in sub-sectors like film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising, while generating economic growth in six regions outside London over the next three years.

The wider plan also includes a significant increase in support available from the British Business Bank (BBB), as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, which will help creative businesses grow and create jobs.

The Sector Plan aims to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and drive innovation and tech adoption by 2035, with targeted support for:

• A £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund for six regions outside London, empowering local Mayors to support creative businesses in their communities with access to finance, mentoring and networking opportunities to help them connect with investors and skills programmes.
• At least £50 million for a new wave of Creative Industries Clusters across the UK to accelerate research and development, doubling investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in clusters to £100 million. Clusters bring together universities, businesses, local and regional policymakers, and private funders to drive research, innovation and growth in the creative industries.
• £25 million for five new innovative UKRI CoSTAR R&D labs and two showcase spaces, which will develop cutting-edge technologies like those used in Abba Voyage and award-winning theatre productions such as last year’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Building on the Government’s commitment to ensure a robust copyright regime and support UK IP, the plan includes the establishment of a Creative Content Exchange. It will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets, opening up new revenue streams for content owners.

The industry plan responds directly to what the sector has said it needs – better access to finance, stronger skills pipelines, and support for innovation – and lays out a roadmap to deliver it.

This includes upskilling the next generation of creative talent through a £10 million investment in the National Film and Television School (NFTS) which will help to train 2,000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade – backed by industry giants such as the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation, and Sky.

The investment will also go towards a new £9 million creative careers service, which will help raise awareness of opportunities and provide pathways into the sector for young people.

The UK’s leading creative industries, recognised across the world, are a major driver of economic growth as part of the Plan for Change – driving in £124 billion a year to our economy and employing 2.4 million people across the UK. Over the last decade the sector has increased its output more than one and a half times faster than the rest of the economy.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Our creative industries are powerful economic drivers in this country. By placing them at the heart of our Industrial Strategy this Sector Plan, backed by £380 million of investment, will boost regional growth, stimulate private investment, and create thousands more high-quality jobs.

This Sector Plan will help nearly double business investment to £31 billion by 2035, supporting our mission to raise living standards everywhere as part of our Plan for Change, ensuring the UK remains the world’s creative powerhouse.

 Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The UK’s creative industries are world-leading and have a huge cultural impact globally, which is why we’re championing them at home and abroad as a key growth sector in our Modern Industrial Strategy.

We’ve seen the power of investment, with this Government welcoming around £100 billion into the UK since taking office, and our Strategy will not only ensure that the UK is the best country to invest and do business in, but deliver economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, Co-Chair, Creative Industries Council, said:

This ambitious plan for growth represents a coming of age for the creative sector. Crucially the plans for R&D funding and Access to Finance for SMEs are exciting step changes.

Baroness Shriti Vadera, co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, said:

This strategy recognises that the UK Creative Industries are one of the most innovative sectors in the UK economy and have a strong comparative advantage internationally. The work now begins to cement their role as a driver of growth and a global creative super power.

The investment also includes tailored packages for high-growth sub-sectors through:

• A £75 million Screen Growth Package supporting UK content development and international investment, and showcasing the best of UK and international film. This includes an enlarged UK Global Screen Fund and scaled-up BFI Film Academy to support 16–25 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the film industry.
• A Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million, helping emerging artists break through at home and abroad. Measures will create new touring, performance, mentoring and export opportunities for emerging talent, while also delivering a significant uplift in funding for the grassroots sector to support small venues and help them to platform more high-potential artists.
• A £30 million Video Games Growth Package, backing the next generation of start-up games studios and developers. This will drive inward investment in the sector through expansion of the UK Games Fund (UKGF) as well as new support for the London Games Festival.

The Sector Plan also includes support for emerging fashion designers through the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme, to help them showcase their work at London Fashion Week and secure business mentoring.

The Creative Industries Sector Plan maps out in detail how the Government will support the sector to grow even further over the next decade through a focus on boosting regional growth, innovation, access to finance, skills and exports.

It will also see the Department for Business and Trade ramp up the number of creative trade missions and markets it targets, such as in the Asia-Pacific. Funding will be increased for major creative trade shows such as SXSW and Cannes Lions.

The Sector Plan was developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Taskforce, Creative Industries Council, businesses, devolved governments, and regional stakeholders. It builds on the recent £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund supporting cultural venues across the nation.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The full Creative Industries Sector Plan can be found here.
• The British Business Bank (BBB) is a state-owned economic development bank established by the UK Government. Its aim is to increase the supply of credit to small and medium-sized businesses and provide business advice services.
• The BBB has significantly increased its support for the creative industries as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, including through support with debt and equity finance.
• The new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund will be devolved to six Mayoral Strategic Authorities: West Midlands, West of England, West Yorkshire, the North East, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester.
• CoSTAR labs and the Creative Industries Clusters are delivered by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
• The new Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million follows the Government advocating for an industry-led levy on stadium and arena tickets to support grassroots music.
• The establishment of a Creative Content Exchange will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets. This new marketplace will open up new revenue streams and allow content owners to commercialise and financialise their assets while providing data users with ease of access.
• The Sector Plan follows the Government’s recent announcement of more than £270 million that will be invested in arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings as part of the Arts Everywhere Fund, to help organisations in need of support to stay up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve their financial resilience.

Further quotes

Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said:

The Sector Plan signals that the creative industries are central to the UK’s growth story. From freelancers to scale-ups, this is a step towards the joined-up support our sector needs – and Creative UK stands ready to work with government and industry partners to turn ambition into action.

As we move into delivery mode, it’s essential that all parts of the sector – from cultural organisations to creative tech firms – are empowered to grow, invest and contribute fully to the UK’s economic future.

Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI, said:

We welcome the Government’s decision to put the creative industries at the centre of its growth strategy. The UK’s screen sector is already a global leader, generating billions for the economy and pioneering new ideas.

With a firm focus on developing the sector across the UK, this investment can unlock fresh opportunities – from growing the sector’s talent pool and strengthening creative clusters nationwide, to opening new international markets for UK screen businesses and advancing creative technology innovation, including the CoSTAR work which the BFI is proud to be a partner on.

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

UK Music welcomes the Government’s creative industries sector plan and the important status that it gives to music. The plan rightly recognises our world-beating £7.6 billion music sector as an essential high growth driving part of the creative industries.

It is hugely welcome that funding packages and programmes are being made available to turbocharge the music industry and we are incredibly excited at the opportunity to be working with the Government to deliver on this.

Barbara Broccoli, EON Productions, said:

I’m thrilled the Government is joining forces with the National Film and Television School as part of its Industrial Strategy. The NFTS is a world-class institution that has trained some of the most talented members of our industry and I’m especially pleased this investment will focus on much needed support for persons with disabilities.

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky, said:

Sky is proud to support the National Film and Television School’s expansion plans and growth ambitions, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. As one of the world’s leading institutions for film, television and games, the NFTS plays a vital role in developing the UK’s creative talent. Our investment underscores our commitment to skills development and sector growth, and we’re excited to see future generations benefit from the school’s outstanding work.

Jon Wardle, Director, National Film and Television School, said:

The real world impact of the Sector Plan in action will be felt through the NFTS’s expanded ability to train world-class, diverse talent and fuel growth in a sector where the UK is a global leader. In a challenging climate for the creative industries, the support from the government isn’t just welcome, it’s strategic.  This investment in the NFTS reinforces a commitment to skills, innovation, and the long-term future of the creative economy.

Wayne Garvie, President International Production, Sony Pictures Television, said:

The NFTS is an unparalleled training ground for British creativity and it’s wonderful that the Government both recognises the importance of the film and television sector in its Industrial Strategy and the role the NFTS plays in developing the next generation of great British creative talent.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

Ambition, excellence and innovation are the golden threads that run through the work of our artists, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, directors and producers. It’s what we’re famous for here at home and on the international stage. This new plan highlights the breadth and brilliance of our nation’s creative professionals and cultural organisations. It provides a roadmap for supercharging the growth of our sector and for nurturing the next generation of British talent, creating jobs across the country and delighting audiences here and around the globe.

Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said:

We welcome this announcement confirming the government’s commitment to invest £380 million to turbocharge the UK’s creative industries. Their mission to drive growth across the country, unlocking new jobs and enabling talent to thrive in every nation and region, strongly resonates with Warner Bros. Discovery.

We have a proud UK heritage – present for over 90 years, with a significant employee base which extends North to South across 5 cities. The UK is our biggest base outside of the US and, in our view, one of the best places in the world to do business. We remain committed to the UK and our ambition to grow and strengthen our sector and welcome the government’s announcement to do this. We look forward to a continued and productive relationship between Government and the industry.”

Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK & Ireland, said:

We welcome the Creative Industries Sector Plan’s commitment to a robust framework for creatives across the UK. It’s particularly encouraging to see the government acknowledge the digital creator economy’s vital role in driving growth for our creative industries. By embracing new distribution models that boost our cultural exports, this vision will solidify the UK’s position as a global cultural superpower.

Nick Poole OBE, Chief Executive, Ukie, said:

On behalf of the UK’s world-leading video game and interactive entertainment sector, we welcome the measures set out today by the Government to supercharge our Creative Industries as part of the Industrial Strategy. Today’s announcement is both a validation of the huge cultural and economic impact of video games and an opportunity to show the world we are open for business.”

Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association, said:

Our industry welcomes the recognition of advertising as a priority sector for growth in the Creative Industries Sector Plan – we are a world leader in creativity as proven by our successful performance once again at Cannes Lions this year.

This strategy is a platform for growth for the next decade across our regions and nations. We welcome the incentives to attract new talent to join our industry, and we commit to working together to strengthen work that helps businesses innovate, compete in the UK and internationally, and create jobs.

Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI Creative Industries Champion, and Executive Chair of the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, said:

The creative industries are a powerful engine for growth in the UK economy but they are also vital for scientific advance. This Spending Review commits UKRI to a coherent and concerted strategic investment, from the UK’s national capability for the creative industries, CoSTAR, to the Creative Industries Clusters Programme and beyond.

The deep synergies between creative content and the most cutting-edge science in universities and R&D intensive businesses across the UK place creative industries at the heart of UKRI’s commitment to excellent science for a growing economy.

Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE, Director of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Professor of Economics of the Creative Industries at Newcastle University, said:

Today’s new Sector Plan for the creative industries sets out the Government’s priorities for the next 10 years, and the Creative PEC – thanks to our funder, the AHRC – stands ready to provide policymakers and industry with the data and evidence they need to enact it.

The commitment to increase public investment in creative industries R&D is especially important, alongside the prioritisation of the sector by the British Business Bank. Also welcome is HMRC’s clarification that arts activities that directly contribute to scientific advance by resolving scientific or technological uncertainties fall within the definition of R&D for R&D tax reliefs. Together these measures should have a catalytic effect in driving more private finance into the sector.

Mel Sullivan, Chief Executive, Framestore, said:

The UK is home to highly skilled and exceptionally creative artists, technologists, and thinkers who push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Creative Industries Sector Plan is a powerful show of support to those working in visual effects, film, TV, advertising, and immersive experiences. It will release unlocked potential and open doors to a new wave of talent across the country, giving them the confidence to build their skills, ideas, and innovations here, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader for years to come.

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 3 June 2025.

Britain’s pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels to save £3 million under emissions cutting scheme.

Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels across the UK will have lower energy bills thanks to a new emissions cutting trial as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Over 600 small and medium sized hospitality businesses will receive free energy and carbon reduction assessments to cut energy costs, support productivity and boost growth.

Funded by the government and delivered by Zero Carbon Services, one of the UK’s leading net-zero advisers for the hospitality sector, the trial is expected to save businesses over £3 million. This will help pubs and restaurants to keep more money in their pockets – while allowing them to invest in jobs and continue to be the hubs of communities.

Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said:

Pubs, restaurants and cafes are a cornerstone for communities across the country, with the hospitality sector employing millions of people and contributing billions to the economy.

By providing business owners with expert advice to cut bills and reduce emissions, this will help them keep more money in their pockets to grow their business, employ local people and continue to serve your pint of lager or fish and chips.

Zero Carbon Services CEO Mark Chapman said:

Climate change is already impacting hospitality with extreme weather events reducing sales and increasing food supply costs. Combined with other cost increases, there has never been a more important time to both recover lost profits and take credible action on reducing carbon emissions, the key cause of climate change.

We’ve already helped thousands of UK pubs, restaurants and hotels, to cut carbon and costs and thanks to this scheme, we can now offer that support for free to even more independent businesses.

Most venues have opportunities to save energy, food and money without realising it. By combining smart data with one-to-one coaching, we help operators take simple, practical steps to reduce waste, lower emissions, and improve day-to-day efficiency. It’s about making small changes that add up — cutting waste, protecting profits and building a stronger, more resilient sector.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said:

Hospitality businesses have already made great strides to reduce their emissions but are keen to go further and faster in order to save costs and become more sustainable.

We’re pleased to support this new trial that can help businesses further cut their emissions, and we’re looking forward to working with the government and Zero Carbon Services on its rollout.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:

This initiative is welcome and will give valuable insights into the ways the sector can become more energy efficient which could help to cut down on energy bills.

This is no small sum and we’re pleased that government has acted on our calls to support the sector through boosting funding to undertake this kind of work.

Steve Alton, CEO of British Institute of Innkeeping, said:

Running a lean, sustainable pub business is vital for operators across the UK. We have supported our members with their carbon measurement and reduction over the past 2 years as part of our Sustainability Champions programme, so we are delighted that Zero Carbon Services can now offer more support via free assessments and coaching to over 600 operators.

The hospitality sector is largely made up of SMEs and supports 3.5 million jobs, while contributing £93 billion to the UK economy.

The scheme will support businesses to make cost effective changes such as fixing insulation gaps, upgrading to low energy lighting or tweaking heating settings that will add up to significant savings over the year.

A recent report from the Federation of Small Businesses found that 64% of small businesses believe sustainability should be a high priority for the government, but only 26% of small businesses believe they have the appropriate knowledge to transition their business to net zero.

The Zero Carbon Services Hospitality trial will help hospitality businesses by putting business owners in direct contact with the expertise of trusted energy and sustainability advisers.

The launch of the trial comes ahead of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which will turbocharge growth in the UK’s key sectors including clean energy. Meanwhile, a renewed Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy will set the strategic direction for the government’s approach to working with industry towards a competitive and low carbon industrial base in the UK, ensuring growth opportunities are captured in tandem with emissions reductions.

Notes to editor

The government has provided £350,000 to fund the Zero Carbon Services Hospitality trial, which will run from May 2025 to March 2026.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 2 June 2025.

• First ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy unlocks £440 million funding for people and communities who need it most – redirecting money from long-unused accounts to important social causes
• Money will get young people involved in music, drama and sport, plus give thousands of vulnerable households access to affordable loans, delivering opportunity through Plan for Change
• Financial institutions including JP Morgan and AON welcomed to No11 today, as Chancellor and Culture Secretary encourage them to participate in the Scheme and support local communities

Families struggling with sudden costs and young people in deprived areas will get vital help, as £440 million from forgotten assets is put to work in communities across England through the first-ever Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy.

This includes £132.5 million to give young people in disadvantaged neighbourhoods new chances to take part in music, sport and drama to build skills for the future, improve their employment opportunities and ensure access is no longer the preserve of a privileged few.

A further £132.5 million will benefit those in financially vulnerable circumstances, providing them with the affordable credit and support they need to manage their money well. This will mean that people facing money worries will have a safety net for when things go wrong – from a broken fridge to an unexpected car repair – instead of leaving them at the mercy of loan sharks.

Local charities and community groups will also get extra funding, so they can run projects like food banks, youth clubs, and community events. This support will help bring people together, tackle loneliness, and make neighbourhoods safer and friendlier for everyone.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed major financial institutions including JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group and other industry champions into No11 Downing Street today, highlighting the tangible difference this money can make to local communities and encouraging future participation to support these important causes.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said:

From supporting young people and enhancing financial inclusion to driving social investment, this transformational funding will reach some of the most disadvantaged areas across the country and have a real impact on people’s lives as we deliver our Plan for Change.

Made possible thanks to the ongoing support of our industry partners, I’ve been delighted to speak to financial institutions today as we look to bring in new sectors to support growth and drive opportunity across England.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

We’re turning forgotten assets into fresh opportunities by unlocking £440 million that would otherwise be sitting idle to help young people realise their potential, and ensure vulnerable families aren’t excluded from the financial products they need. Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing communities and boosting opportunities to deliver growth and put more money in people’s pockets.

Chris Cummings, CEO of the Investment Association said:

We look forward to the further expansion of the Dormant Assets Scheme to the investment and wealth management sector. The Scheme has the potential to deliver real positive change to communities across the UK and our industry both warmly supports the initiative and is committed to exploring participating at the earliest opportunity.

The Dormant Assets Scheme is an important opportunity for our industry to come together with government and deliver a positive, measurable social and environmental impact.

The Dormant Assets Scheme has successfully released £1 billion to date to support thousands of frontline organisations and individuals in some of the most disadvantaged communities across the country. Funding has been channelled into a range of initiatives including tackling youth homelessness, supporting charities with the cost of living and breaking down barriers to financial inclusion to help vulnerable groups.

The £440 million package announced today represents a significant uplift with an estimated £90 million over previously announced figures set to become available through the Scheme in England by 2028.

Allocations set out in the Strategy will drive forward the growth and opportunity missions in the government’s Plan for Change, with full distributions to include:

• £132.5 million for young people with funding going to services, facilities and opportunities to provide them with the skills and resources needed to succeed
• £132.5 million for financial inclusion and education, equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to build financial security
• £87.5 million for social investment to strengthen the financial resilience of the voluntary sector, including £12.5 million reaching organisations that support youth outcomes
• £87.5 million for community wealth funds, which will empower local people to make decisions about their communities, creating stronger neighbourhoods.

Notes to editors:

• The Dormant Assets scheme redirects money from long-unused financial accounts to social causes, while preserving the original owners’ right to reclaim their funds.
• The Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy sets out this government’s bold vision for the pioneering Dormant Assets Scheme, unlocking funds to support the communities who need it most.
• The Strategy for the Scheme is centered around three long-term objectives:
  • Achieving long-term systems change through innovative programmes.
  • Protecting the integrity of the Scheme and its funding.
  • Becoming the best practice standard mechanism to deal with dormancy.
• The Strategy reaffirms the importance of the collaboration between government and the financial services sector to make a success of the Dormant Assets Scheme
• Last year, the government committed between the four named causes of the Scheme – financial inclusion, youth, social investment and community wealth funds – to break down barriers and drive growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
• Participants in today’s roundtable included representatives from JP Morgan, Schroders, AON, Jupiter Asset Management, Aberdeen Group, alongside industry champions from across banking, investment, wealth management, insurance and pensions sectors.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 30 May 2025.

The Secretary of State has extended Sir Loyd’s third term for a further 9 months, from 01 June 2025 to 28 February 2026, while the process to appoint a new permanent Chair of The Royal Parks is run.

Sir Loyd Grossman CBE

Loyd is a broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer who has a long association with the arts and heritage sectors. He is Chair of The Royal Society of Arts and a Vice President of the Churches Conservation Trust.

Loyd’s past appointments include as a board member of English Heritage, the Museums and Galleries Commission and the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. He has been Chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust, Chair of the Heritage Alliance, Chairman of National Museums Liverpool and Vice Chair of the Royal Drawing School. He was awarded a Knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to heritage in 2024. He was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to heritage in 2015.

Remuneration and Governance Code

The Chair of The Royal Parks is not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Sir Loyd Grossman has not declared any significant political activity.

The press release issued by the Department For Culture, Media and Sport on 30 May 2025.

The Secretary of State has appointed James Bamberg as a Board Member for the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives. This is a 4 year term from 10 March 2025 to 9 March 2029.

James Bamberg

James (Jim) Bamberg is an historian and author who was formerly the official historian of BP plc. He wrote two volumes of BP’s official history published by Cambridge University Press and a third unpublished volume. He was also responsible for BP’s archives, in which capacity he proposed and managed the relocation of the archives to the University of Warwick and their opening to public access. On leaving BP he joined Harvard Business School as the Alfred D. Chandler International Visiting Scholar in Business History. He afterwards worked as an independent consultant and formed his own historical consultancy company, Storica Ltd.

Jim holds a first class honours degree and a PhD in history from the University of Cambridge, as well as an honours degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths, University of London. He has been a Visiting Fellow at the University of Reading; a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge; President of the Association of Business Historians; and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members will be remunerated at a rate of £386 per day. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. James has declared no significant political activity.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 29 May 2025.

Local people’s access to arts venues across the country set to be protected with cash to support vital repairs and upgrades.

• Investment supports the Government’s Plan for Change by helping to boost local economies and increase opportunities to gain creative skills
• Expressions Of Interest to open at the end of June

Arts and cultural organisations will soon be able to apply for a share of £85 million from the government for vital repairs and upgrades, ensuring everyone has access to high quality institutions in the places they call home.

The new Creative Foundations Fund will help arts venues across England to address a range of issues, such as repairing building infrastructure, outdated or failing systems, inefficient energy systems and inaccessible spaces. It will ensure beloved local venues like theatres, performing arts venues, galleries, grassroots music venues and contemporary arts centres can continue to offer opportunities, boost skills and attract more visitors from across the country.

Arts and cultural organisations across England are encouraged to apply for a share of up to £10 million each from the fund, which recognises the huge contribution they make towards boosting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people by helping them to learn vital creative skills.

This £85 million investment into arts and cultural organisations is part of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund announced by the Culture Secretary in February, which delivers on the government’s Plan for Change to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

Everyone, everywhere, deserves to enjoy arts and culture in the places they call home. This funding will be vital in ensuring that our much loved venues are fit for the future, so they can continue to boost growth and provide young people with the space to learn vital creative skills.

Our Plan for Change is boosting opportunities everywhere and it will support these vital institutions to flourish.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said:

Our cultural buildings are home to thrilling performances and amazing exhibitions in towns and cities across England. This new investment helps to secure the future of those buildings at the heart of their communities, ensuring that artists, performers, curators and creators can continue to share their brilliant work with audiences for years to come.

The fund will open for Expressions Of Interest on Monday 30 June 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply, can be found on Arts Council England’s website.

Notes to editors:

•  In February, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy announced more than £270 million in funding for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in a major boost for growth.
• Arts Council England will deliver this fund on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), including administering, awarding and monitoring the grants.Guidance has been published today by Arts Council England to provide further information for arts and cultural organisations considering making an application to these schemes.
• The online portal to register Expressions of Interest for the Creative Foundations Fund opens on Monday 30 June 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on Arts Council England’s website.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 19 May 2025.

The Secretary of State has appointed Professor Nick Webborn as the Chair of UK Sport for a term of four years, which will commence on 22 May 2025.

Professor Nick Webborn

Professor Nick Webborn CBE DL has a lifetime’s experience in high performance sport as an athlete, medical director, clinician, researcher and most recently as Chair of the British Paralympic Association.

As a world leading expert in sport and exercise medicine, Nick has worked on 13 Paralympic Games and has decades of experience in providing performance support to British athletes. He was also Chief Medical Officer for Paralympics GB at the London 2012 Paralympics and for the Invictus Games 2014. In the former role, Nick helped develop the winning bid for London 2012 and played a critical role in the delivery of athlete healthcare services for the Games.

Since then, Nick has gone on to become one of the UK’s most prominent sport administrators. As Chair of the BPA, Nick played a critical role in leading the organisation through a period of change as they delivered a new 10 year strategy which sustained Paralympics GB’s position near the top of successive Paralympic medal tables, whilst embedding social impact as a cornerstone of their work. Nick is also incredibly experienced in the world of international sport, having served on the Medical and Anti-Doping Committees of the International Paralympic Committee.

In 2016, Nick was awarded an OBE for services to Paralympic Sports Medicine and the British Paralympic Association and a CBE in the 2022 New Years Honours List for services to Sport and Sports Medicine.

Nick is delighted to have been appointed as Chair of UK Sport and looks forward to leading the organisation to deliver the next phase of its Strategic Plan, ensuring the positive future of Olympic and Paralympic sport and major sporting events in the UK.

Nick continues to practice in the field of Sport and Exercise Medicine and has published over 100 peer reviewed articles and book chapters.

Nick Webborn said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed as Chair of UK Sport and to have the opportunity to continue the work of my predecessor, Dame Katherine Grainger, who I have had the privilege to work alongside over the last eight years.

Having spent much of my life in high performance sport, I know how much the UK public value the Olympic and Paralympic success that our wonderful sports and athletes have achieved over the last 25 years and how much the UK is respected as a host of sporting events.

However, I also know that our sporting success is not guaranteed in the face of mounting global competition. I therefore look forward to working with the incredibly talented people we have across the UK sporting system to deliver continued success on the field of play and to unite, inspire and excite people all across the nation.”

Sally Munday, Chief Executive of UK Sport, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Nick to the UK Sport team. His decades of experience in high performance sport mean that he is perfectly positioned to Chair UK Sport through the next phase of the delivery of our ten year strategic plan and to drive the system change needed to continue a positive future for Olympic and Paralympic sport and major sporting events in the UK.

I know that people across the Olympic and Paralympic sport community in the UK will join me in giving Nick a very warm welcome to his exciting new role”.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said:

“I am delighted to welcome Professor Nick Webborn as the new Chair of UK Sport. His expertise in sports medicine and sports administration will bring invaluable perspective to this role.

“Nick’s leadership will be crucial as UK Sport continues its efforts to grow Olympic and Paralympic sports, while continuing work with government to cement the UK’s position as a world-leading host of prestigious competitions that leave lasting legacies in communities across the country.”

Remuneration and Governance Code

Chair of UK Sport is remunerated at £40,000 per year. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Professor Nick Webborn has not declared any significant political activity.