Publishers Association 'optimistic' about new Labour government

The Publishers Association has welcomed the new Labour government, saying it is “optimistic” that the political party recognises “the importance of the UK’s creative industries”.

Dan Conway, c.e.o of the Publishers Association, described the landslide victory of Keir Starmer’s party, which will take over from the Conservatives under Rishi Sunak, as a “seismic night in British politics.”

It is not yet known who will be culture secretary under the Labour government. Shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire lost her seat in Bristol to the Green Party. Cabinet members should be confirmed by the new prime minister after he takes office later today.

Conway said: “We welcome the new government and stand ready to help it deliver its commitments. UK publishing is world-leading, with the creativity, innovation and passion to drive growth and create opportunities for all. We are optimistic that Labour’s recognition of the importance of the UK’s creative industries and research institutions provides a strong basis for collaboration over the coming years.”

He added: “Whether it’s in supporting growth through publishers’ world-beating exports or delivering opportunities for every child through books and reading, publishing can be a key partner to the new government in delivering its priorities. We are keen to build on our existing strong relationships and work with new ministers on a wide range of policy issues, from making sure AI opportunities deliver for everyone to ensuring academic publishers are at the heart of driving research and innovation.”

Elsewhere in publishing there was a warm reception to the arrival of a new Labour government, with issues including AI and intellectual property rights top of the agenda.

Tom Weldon, c.e.o. of Penguin Random House, said: “We congratulate the new Labour government and look forward to working with it to create the conditions for the creative industries to continue to thrive. Specifically, I would call out the ongoing need for copyright protection, the celebration of creative subjects and the urgent requirement for investment in libraries. We are keen to work with the new government on our Libraries for Primaries programme, which aims to put a library in every primary school and aligns with their social justice agenda.”

Author bodies the Society of Authors and the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society today called on the government to prioritise “existential threats” to publishing and offer a “fairer deal” for authors amid the “profound challenges” of Artificial Intelligence and poor pay.