PMQs demonstrate extent of concern across the country for theatres and the arts

Questions about the future of the theatre industry were asked during Prime Minister’s Questions today by four MPs.

Three Conservatives – Nickie Aiken, MP for Cities of London and Westminster; Jason McCartney, MP for Colne Valley; and James Daly, MP for Bury North – all pressed the Prime Minster on when emergency funding will be made available for theatre and arts sector.

Bambos Charalambous, the Labour MP for Enfield, Southgate also raised the issue and the plight faced by many Bectu members who are facing redundancy because the government has failed to respond to the full-blown crisis the creative industries are facing.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: “The Prime Minister was asked on numerous occasions about whether funding will be made available for the theatre industry, but instead focussed on theatres re-opening, which is preposterous as they can’t open without being able to put on live performances.

“Every day that goes past without financial support the industry is being decimated; no constituency will escape the disaster that is unfolding and MPs and their constituents know it.

“This is not a niche issue as demonstrated by the extent of concern amongst MPs today. The government must acknowledge the key role theatres and the arts play in the economy and the value they add to people’s lives.

“Too many of our members have already been excluded from the government’s income support schemes and these industries’ entire future are in jeopardy because of the continued lack of action.

“The PM himself recognised the urgency of the crisis today when he said Parliament was speaking with ‘one voice’ on the issue. The Chancellor will be making a financial statement on 8 July and it must include significant financial support for the creative industries.”