Contribution of the arts to the economy debated in the Lords

Lord Bragg (Labour), broadcaster and presenter of BBC Radio 4 series In Our Time, put forward the debate.

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns. 

Members speaking

Members speaking in the debate included:

• Lord Berkeley of Knighton (Crossbench), composer and broadcaster
• Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (Liberal Democrat), Liberal Democrat lords spokesperson for culture, media and sport
• Lord Cashman (Labour), actor and writer
• Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative) former Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy.

Opening the debate, Lord Bragg said:

'The creative arts generate more revenue than the life sciences and the aerospace and construction industries combined. Add the input from television, films, advertising and broadcasting and we are faced not with a charming marginal activity but with an industry ready to grow to the massive benefit of this country.'

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Arts and Heritage, responded on behalf of the government:

'It is not by chance that economic growth is one of the key things identified by the government’s Creative Industries Sector Vision.

'The first goal set out in that vision is for the creative industries to add an extra £50 billion in gross value added by 2030.'

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Watch and read the debate

Catch up on Parliament TV or read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information

Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.

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