Slow. Slow. Slow. That’s been the hallmark of the Govt’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. And as far as our world leading £111 billion creative industries are concerned, @DCMS @GOVUK are on go slow too 1/6

Creative industries contribute almost 16% of UK GVA annually and employ more than 2 million people, many are freelancers who have been ignored and excluded from job retention and self employed support throughout @ExcludedUK @bectu @WeAreTheMU @equity #letthemusicplay 2/6

Actors, musicians, producers, technicians, comics, artists, performers, on stage and back stage, whose venues closed overnight and income disappeared. Talented, skilled, creative people whose work has kept us entertained, happy and healthy of mind at home under lockdown 3/6

I’ve heard from 100s of stakeholders during the 100 days of the crisis. Across the UK; cities, towns and villages. With one voice they’ve told me they need some support. They’ll be one of the last sectors to re-open. We in @UKLabour have made their case to Govt repeatedly 4/6

“I’m not going to stand by and see our world leading position in arts and culture destroyed” said @OliverDowden on 8 June. Meanwhile, theatres close in Stockport, Leicester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Plymouth, Manchester, Southampton... 93% of music venues expect permanent closure 5/6

People come from across the globe for our creative industries. Huge no’s of jobs in tourism and hospitality inextricably linked to its success. Economic interdependence boosting towns & cities across the UK. But it’s on the verge of collapse. A final curtain, unless Govt acts 6/6