New DCMS Secretary of State, Dowden, must be a champion for the creative industries

Oliver Dowden has been appointed as Secretary of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“The new culture secretary needs to be a champion for the creative industries, and not simply a willing solider in the government’s war on the BBC.

“Workers across the creative sector need a government that is on their side, whether that is on issues such as tax, rights for freelancers, or the ability to work in Europe in the future.

“The creative industries contribute significantly to the UK economy. For example, the demand for British TV and film exports continues to increase year-on-year. That is because of the work of Bectu members and the UK’s unique creative landscape.

“The new secretary of state needs to look at the opportunities for the UK in this broader agenda, rather than focusing his energies on a damaging vendetta against our national broadcaster.”