Starmer to champion the arts and UK’s talent

SIR Keir Starmer will use a speech to commit to ensuring the arts are “for everyone, everywhere” under a future Labour government.

During an address in central London today, the Opposition leader will pledge to “create more opportunities for working-class kids” and establish secure jobs in the creative sector if his party wins the General Election.

Sir Keir is expected to play up the central importance of artistic sectors in Britain, saying it is “essential for our economic growth as well as our personal growth”.

He is due to set out his intention for a Labour government to work with industry on a so-called Access to the Arts plan, to ensure British talent can continue to emerge.

The UK is the second largest of only four net exporters of music talent globally, exporting £700m in 2023 alone, according to Labour research.

In a speech to 250 senior industry leaders, Sir Keir is due to say: “2.4 million of us work in a creative industry. It’s worth £125bn – and is growing fast: the UK is one of only three net exporters of music; we have the second largest art market on the planet, and nobody exports more books than we do.

“Our music, our films, our games, our fashion, our literature – what we make and produce is known and loved in every corner of the globe.

"You’re not just important to Brand Britain – you are Brand Britain.”

Creatives backing the plan include artist Damien Hirst, singer Beverley Knight and actor and Happy Valley star James Norton.

Hirst said: “Art is for everyone by everyone and not just for the rich by the rich.

"When I grew up in Leeds, I didn’t have any money. I had free school dinners; I had a good art teacher and luckily, I managed to get a government grant to go to art school and Goldsmiths which changed my life. Without it I wouldn’t be where I am today.”