Books are key exports for the UK, Richard Osman tells MPs in Houses of Parliament speech

Richard Osman told MPs, peers and publishers that British books are key exports for the UK, speaking about his experience being published in international markets at the Publishers Association’s (PA) Winter Reception.

The Winter Reception replaced the Summer Reception that was called off due to the General Election.

Speaking in Parliament on 12th November, the author ofThe Thursday Murder Club also said that ensuring each primary school has a library would be an "easy win" for the government.  

The PA’s president and Bonnier Books UK’s c.e.o. Perminder Mann also spoke about the importance of ensuring that children are encouraged to read for enjoyment. She also urged the government to protect creators’ work and human creativity when approaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) and copyright.

Moreover, Baroness Gail Rebuck shared insights from her career in publishing and emphasised the global impact of British authors’ work.

In his closing remarks, the PA’s c.e.o. Dan Conway emphasised the role of publishers in maintaining research integrity, and thanked both the new MPs in attendance and the industry’s long-term supporters.