Thank you to all those who have contacted me about grassroots music venues (GMV), and their invaluable contribution to local cultural life. I completely agree that live music venues are a vibrant and essential part of our community. Venues like The Albany and the Fox and Firkin add a richness to our constituency and are a large part of what makes the local area special.

I am pleased to see that the Government has called on the live music industry to introduce a levy on stadium and arena tickets to help ensure the sustainability of GMVs. It is also heartening to see successful British bands such as Coldplay and Enter Shikari leading the way and donating a portion of their profits to support the grassroots sector.

Grassroots venues play such an important role in nurturing talent and creating the space for artists to learn their craft. Every successful performer has paid their dues on the live music circuit, in venues where they could hone their talents and build an audience.

I recently read the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) report with great interest and share their concern about the alarming rate at which small venues are closing. The MVT’s chief executive highlighted a striking fact: of the 366 small venues Ed Sheeran performed at while learning his craft, at least 150 have now closed. Moreover, 72 others have significantly reduced or completely ended their live music offerings.

The impact of these closures extends far beyond the immediate effects on the local night-time economy. They also jeopardise the UK’s ability to continue excelling on the world stage, producing world class acts across all musical genres: from Adele, to Stormzy, to Wolf Alice.

GMVs face significant challenges, and I believe we must do all we can to keep these venues open. I strongly support the new stadium and arena levy, alongside the Government’s vision to unlock growth and opportunities in the UK’s £170 billion culture, media, and sports sectors. From grassroots venues to stadium shows, music has a vital role to play in both our economy and culture, driving growth while enriching our national life.

Once again, thank you to all those who have raised this issue with me. I remain committed to championing the UK’s creative industries and ensuring that live music continues to thrive across the country.