Latest news with #SirChrisBryant
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UK content creators demand formal recognition from the government
The UK's YouTubers, TikTok creators and Instagram influencers have been surveyed on mass for the first time ever, and are demanding formal recognition from the government. The creator economy in the UK is thought to employ around 45,000 people and contribute over £2bn to the country in one year alone, according to the new research by and Public First. But, despite all that value, its workers say they feel underappreciated by the authorities. "If you look at the viewership, our channel is not too different from a big media company," said Max Klymenko, a content creator with more than 10 million subscribers and half a billion monthly views on average. "If you look at the relevancy, especially among young audiences, I will say that we are more relevant. That said, we don't really get the same treatment," he told Sky News. Fifty-six per cent of the more than 10,000 creators surveyed said they do not think UK creators have a "voice in shaping government policies" that affect them. Only 7% think they get enough support to access finance, while just 17% think there is enough training and skills development here in the UK. Nearly half think their value is not recognised by the broader creative industry. The creative industries minister, Sir Chris Bryant, said the government "firmly recognises the integral role that creators play" in the UK's creative industries and the fact that they help "to drive billions into the economy" and support more than 45,000 jobs. "We understand more can be done to help creators reach their full potential, which is why we are backing them through our new Creative Industries Sector Plan," he said. "The UK has got a fantastic history of supporting the creative industries," said Ben Woods, a creator economy analyst, Midia Research who was not involved in the report. "Whether you look at the film side, lots of blockbuster films are being shot here, or television, which is making waves on the global stage. "But perhaps the government needs to broaden that lens a little bit to look at just what's going on within the creator economy as well, because it is highly valuable, it's where younger audiences are spending a lot of their time and [the UK is] really good at it." Read more from Sky News: According to YouTube, formal recognition would mean creators are factored into official economic impact data reporting, are represented on government creative bodies, and receive creator-specific guidance from HMRC on taxes and finances. For some, financial guidance and clarity would be invaluable; the 'creator' job title seems to cause problems when applying for mortgages or bank loans. "It's really difficult as a freelancer to get things like mortgages and bank accounts and credit and those types of things," said podcaster David Brown, who owns a recording studio for creators. "A lot of people make very good money doing it," he told Sky News. "They're very well supported. They have a lot of cash flow, and they are successful at doing that job. It's just the way society and banking and everything is set up. It makes it really difficult." The creative industries minister said he is committed to appointing a creative freelance champion and increasing support from the British Business Bank in order to "help creators thrive and drive even more growth in the sector". The government has already pledged to boost the UK's creative industries, launching a plan to make the UK the number one destination for creative investment and promising an extra £14bn to the sector by 2035. These influencers want to make sure they are recognised as part of that.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Ban on political parties taking part in Pride ‘a retrograde step', says minister
A Government minister has criticised a ban on political parties taking part in annual Pride marches, as he said the month of LGBT+ celebration and activism is as important as ever. Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant said the decision by organisers in five cities was a backwards move as he suggested activists did not give sufficient credit to politicians for law changes in recent decades. He was met with agreement by Conservative shadow culture secretary Stuart Andrew. Sir Chris said Pride is important so young people do not 'internalise hatred and scorn', and hit out at Reform-led councils which have removed Pride flags from display in recent months as he praised the importance of visibility. Organisers of events in Birmingham, Brighton, London, Manchester and Oxford said they had suspended political party involvement in events in 'unequivocal solidarity' with the transgender movement. June is Pride month, with marches and events taking place over the summer. Sir Chris was asked by Dawn Butler, Labour MP for Brent East, whether he regretted the bar by Pride organisers. Ms Butler said: 'Does (he) feel sorry that they've now said that no political parties are allowed to march, because of how the LGBTQ I+ community has been treated? I will still be marching, because I normally march with groups, but does he agree with me that this is a sad state of affairs?' Sir Chris said: 'I think we should be absolutely proud of the fact that politics has changed the law in this country and political parties were absolutely essential to that. 'Of course I pay tribute to everybody in my political party who for many, many generations fought for equality. But it's true in the Conservative Party as well where people in many cases had to be even braver than they did in the Labour movement, and of course in many other political parties as well. 'So yes, I think it's an entirely retrograde step to ban people from political parties from taking part in Pride marches.' Mr Andrew said: 'I do want to comment that I find it appalling and deeply disappointing that some Prides across the country have banned our political parties from this year's parades. 'LGBT Conservatives, LGBT Labour, the Lib Dems, not allowed to attend, and like (him), I would also remind the organisers that it was these groups and so many MPs in this House that brought about the changes that we enjoy today. 'And as Jo Cox said, there is more than unites us than divides us. Them causing this divide is a retrograde step.' Former Green Party co-leader Sian Berry (Brighton Pavilion) said she could understand the decision, telling MPs: 'I fully support these decisions being made by the major Pride organisations telling us as political parties we are not welcome this year on their parades or marches. 'Is the minister not as sad as I am about the absolute state of political policy and discourse around trans rights which has directly led to this action?' Sir Chris, who entered the Commons in 2001, said: 'When I was first elected as the member of Parliament here there was still many laws in this country that dramatically and drastically affected the rights of LGBTQ people in this country, and it's because of political parties that we changed the law in this country, and we shouldn't discard the democratic process, it is absolutely essential… to secure our rights.' The fallout from the Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of sex hung over the debate, with the Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, calling prominent gender-critical campaigner JK Rowling 'desperate for attention and relevance'. He said: 'As well as politicians, public figures desperate for attention and relevance like JK Rowling and others have poisoned the public discourse with attacks on our trans community, all under the false dichotomy that you cannot be a true feminist and protect women's rights without attacking and abusing the trans community. 'A phoney culture war which has left trans people fearful just to be themselves.' Sir Chris said: 'We reject any attempts to weaponise this ruling to roll back the hard-won dignity and inclusion of trans people. This is not, and must never become, a zero-sum debate. 'We can protect single-sex spaces based on clear lawful criteria whilst also protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of trans people who… are amongst the most marginalised and misunderstood in our society.' Speaking from the despatch box, he said the Government would be bringing forward a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices within the next nine months. 'These so-called therapies are nothing less than abuse, they do not work, they cause deep-lasting harm and their continued existence is a stain on any society that claims to be inclusive,' he said. MPs later called on shadow equalities minister Mims Davies to 'start challenging' her party's leader Kemi Badenoch on her stance towards LGBT+ people. Tom Gordon, Lib Dem MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, told the Commons that 'leaders of political parties with their words have power' and asked Ms Davies: 'Would she push for her party in particular just to make sure that when it comes to LGBT rights that we consider the humanity that we're talking about and don't whip up hate?' The shadow minister replied that 'we are all leaders in our own ways' and added she was 'proud' the Conservatives 'set the ambitious and absolutely right goal of ending all the new HIV cases by 2030'. Rachel Taylor, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, said the Tories' 'words will sound hollow up and down this country unless they start challenging their leader to do what is right for LGBT people up and down this country', to which Ms Davies replied: 'I think this goes for all parties.'
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Minister criticises UK's ‘obsession' with ‘laughing' about sunburn
A minister has hit out at the 'obsession with laughing at people' who get sunburn. Sir Chris Bryant said too much exposure to the sun can be fatal. The tourism minister has previously been treated for melanoma on the back of his head. Speaking at a conference in Westminster on Wednesday organised by travel trade organisation Abta, Sir Chris said: 'One thing that is very close to my heart, because I've had stage four melanoma – which probably sprang from my years in Spain when I was a child – is about responsible use of the sun. 'We know that it kills, getting it wrong. 'The British obsession with laughing at people because they've gone lobster pink is daft. 'We need to do better about this.' Addressing the gathering of travel trade executives, he added: 'I know you don't want to be preaching to everybody who gets on an aeroplane with you, but being able to do all this responsibly, I think, is important.' Sir Chris went on to say he is 'desperately keen' for 'all European countries' to make their airport's e-gates available to UK passport holders. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer struck an agreement with EU leaders last month to enable UK holidaymakers to use the technology, but it is up to individual countries to allow this to happen. Sir Chris joked that he is in favour of the policy 'not least because it would mean that my husband, who has an Irish passport, wouldn't get through passport control before me'. A report published by Abta found the annual contribution to the economy of the UK's outbound travel industry can grow from £52 billion to £62 billion by 2030. Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: 'We're urging the Government to capitalise on the growth potential presented by outbound travel. 'One of the things that we are highlighting is the opportunity for the UK to be a leader in sustainable travel, recognising that the industry needs to grow in a responsible way. 'This means accelerating progress towards decarbonisation, something that can't be done without the support of Government.'
Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Heat health warning issued as temperatures set to reach 30C
Following a yellow alert, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises people to close windows and curtains that face the sun and to seek shade outside. It also recommends people to wear hats and sunglasses, apply sun cream, and avoid direct sunlight during 11am and 3pm. People should only do exercise in the morning or evening and ensure that 'vulnerable friends and family [are] aware of the symptoms of heatstroke'. Dr Agostinho Sousa, the head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: 'Even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.' Sir Chris Bryant, the tourism minister, has warned too much exposure to the sun can be fatal. Speaking at a conference in Westminster on Wednesday, organised by travel trade organisation Abta, Sir Chris said: 'One thing that is very close to my heart, because I've had stage four melanoma – which probably sprang from my years in Spain when I was a child – is about responsible use of the sun. 'We know that it kills, getting it wrong. The British obsession with laughing at people because they've gone lobster pink is daft. We need to do better about this.' Addressing the gathering of travel trade executives, he added: 'I know you don't want to be preaching to everybody who gets on an aeroplane with you, but being able to do all this responsibly, I think, is important.' Thunderstorms This health alert comes as parts of south-west England, South Wales and Northern Ireland have been issued with a weather warning for thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday by the Met Office. A separate warning spanning Friday afternoon and Saturday morning is in place for south-eastern England and East Anglia. Neil Armstrong, the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'A weather system will push northwards through tomorrow, bringing heavy rain and a risk of thunderstorms to parts of south-west England, most of Wales, and later into Northern Ireland. '40mm of rain could fall in 3 hours or less leading to the potential for disruption. Further thunderstorms will develop during the afternoon across England and Wales, moving quickly northwards with hail and lightning. 'Temperatures will remain high, with 26 or 27°C possible again in the north Midlands and parts of north London.'
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Culture minister seeks to ‘bury' claims his department will be shut down
A Labour culture minister has sought to 'bury' rumours that his department is facing the axe in Downing Street's civil service efficiency drive. No10 was poised to scrap Lisa Nandy's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in a move that would have put the Culture Secretary out of a job. However, Sir Chris Bryant attempted to dismiss the revelation as a 'daft rumour' and insisted that axing the department would be 'absolute madness'. He told the Commons: 'One of the worst things if we were to get rid of the department is that we'd have to get rid of the select committee as well, and for that matter the whole of the front bench – oh hang on, maybe it's a good idea. 'I'm not going to put this rumour to bed – I'm going to bury it, because in the words of Stephen Sondheim, I'm absolutely certain that in a year's time we will be able to sing as in the musical Follies, I'm Still Here.' Max Wilkinson, the Liberal Democrat culture spokesman, said: 'He says he's burying the rumour about the abolition of DCMS, so why does he think that so many people here think it's going to happen, and why is it being briefed out to the press so often?' Department 'touches lives of nearly everybody' Sir Chris replied: 'Why on Earth is he perpetuating daft rumours? That's the question I want to ask myself. Honestly, the department is not going to be abolished. It would be absolutely madness. 'This department touches the lives of nearly everybody in the country every single day of the week, whether it's through sport, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, or it's through broadcasting or it's through our wonderful creative industries – so many different aspects of what we do touch everybody. 'I cannot see any way in which this department is going to be abolished.' Axing the department would leave Ms Nandy out of work, and a decision would be needed on whether to create space for her elsewhere on the front bench. Currently there are no Cabinet vacancies. It comes amid a power struggle at the top of Cabinet between Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner, revealed by The Telegraph, over tax and migrant access to state help. A secret memo obtained by this newspaper revealed that Ms Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, had signed off a note recommending wealth taxes rather than spending cuts at the Chancellor's second fiscal event. 'Sends out a terrible message' Dame Caroline Dinenage told the Commons on Wednesday: 'Rumours abound that the whole DCMS is for the chop. He must see that this sends out a terrible message to those sectors about how their Government values the power of those industries. 'So I wondered if he'd take the opportunity today to first of all put that rumour to bed, and if he can't, perhaps he'd like to take the chance to put on record that this would be a horrible idea.' She added: 'Whether it's Bollywood, Hollywood or Borehamwood, I'm sure the minister will agree that our British cultural and creative industries are our global economic superpower.' Sir Chris said that Ms Nandy, the Culture Secretary, was doing a 'very important job of building our relationship with Japan'. Ms Nandy announced a new partnership with the country to boost cultural exchanges, with partners including Liverpool Football Club and University College London. The culture department has had various iterations and titles during its three decades of existence. It was created by the Tories in 1992 as the Department of National Heritage and covered the arts, broadcasting, film, sport, architecture and historic sites, royal parks and tourism. Formal advice on closing the Culture Department was drafted for Sir Keir's speech on March 13 when he announced the abolition of NHS England and vowed to tackle government 'bureaucracy'. Ultimately, the announcement was not made then but The Telegraph understands that there remains interest in axing the department. No final decision has been made.
