Thangam Debbonaire
MP for Bristol West
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
In 2018, the music industry contributed £5.2 billion to the UK economy and employed 190,935 people across the country, according to a new report from UK Music. Beyond the economics, music enriches us all.
The music and creative industries in Bristol are one of the many reasons I love the city so much. The cultural scene is so varied and of such high quality. The local creative community,
leading professional and experimental artists, live bands, and grassroots venues make our city special.
Working closely with the Music Venue Trust, I have always backed grassroots music venues in Bristol West and I will continue to do so. This includes co-sponsoring a law to protect venues when neighbouring buildings are converted to residential flats. Music enriches and changes lives; we must work to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, gets the chance to enjoy music.
In this photo I am with a fellow member of the Musicians Union in Bristol, of which I am a proud member. The Musicians Union protect the rights of over 31,000 musicians,
campaigning for decent pay and working conditions for performers, composers, and teachers, for the ability to tour easily across different countries, for funding for music
education and more.
I am proud to support the work of UK Music, Music Venue Trust, and Musicians Union and will always champion the cause of music for all.
