Thank you to Sir Peter for his hard work in completing such a broad, thorough and thought-provoking review – some really interesting and bold recommendations for both industry and government to pursue, and across a very wide range of areas. And made much more interesting than a normal review by the quotes across the document which are drawn from British creative life. I can certainly relate to Kate Tempest’s call to action – “move fast, don’t stop, you got things to do” – as I’m sure you all can too.

And thank you to you all for making time to be here at such short notice. Turnout at a few days notice shows how much passion and commitment there is in relation to this subject, and how much interest in hearing what Sir Peter has to say.

That we are here today is testament to the importance of the creative industries to the UK – increasingly recognised across government as a key sector of the economy. This is partly about a sector holding its own with more traditional industries such as manufacturing – industrial policy is no longer just about widgets and hardware. It is also too about a sector holding its own with tech and other celebrated growth sectors.

Now – as Business Secretary, Greg has to be even-handed across the economy. As Culture Secretary, I can be a little more partisan. To underline just how important creative industries are to the UK economy, Creative Industries Federation analysis of PwC data suggests that they deliver four times the GVA of the automotive industry, six times as much as life sciences and nearly 10 times that of aerospace. Between 2011 and 2015, the sector created three times more jobs than the economy as a whole. The UK is the third-largest exporter of cultural goods and services in the world – just behind China and the USA. I spend a lot of my time reminding my Cabinet colleagues of these kinds of fact.

But they matter too for Britain’s place in the world – our values, soft power and influence. Creative Industries are in many cases at the very forefront of how the world perceives us. Whether it be music, film or design, they strengthen the UK brand, adding impetus to our growing creative content and services presence around the world, strengthening trading links in key emerging economies and influencing wider perceptions of the UK.

And they also matter intrinsically. They produce the things that enrich lives and give them meaning. That’s true of the ‘content’ sub-sectors of the Creative Industries – TV, film, games, music, publishing, fashion. It’s also true of the services side – the architecture that RIBA, our hosts today, do such fantastic work to promote, the design that creates our products, the advertising that influences our desires.

I hope it is clear to you that Government is committed to supporting the Creative Industries – for example, through the creative sector tax reliefs, which paid out over £600 million last year alone, securing in return nearly £2 billion. And more broadly in securing the best possible outcome for the sectors as the UK prepares to exit the European Union and looks to do trade deals around the world.

But there is still more to do – and that’s what today is all about. Creative industries in Britain and beyond face both real challenges and opportunities. Much of that is driven by technology and changing patterns of consumer demand. The “D” word – Digital – is now at the heart of the DCMS as the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It is transforming the whole economy, but bears strongly on the Intellectual Property-rich, small and micro-dominated businesses that make up much of the creative industries. But change also arises from policy landscape – for example, the opportunities presented by the Government’s Industrial Strategy, and its clear focus on place, inclusive growth and rebalancing the economy.

And that’s where the sector deal comes in. As Greg has said, the Government has essentially asked business to make it an offer it can’t refuse. In the words of the IS Green Paper there is ‘open door challenge to industry’ to be ‘driven by business to meet the priorities of business’. It seeks ‘a clear proposal for boosting productivity’ in order to ‘drive growth right across the United Kingdom… creating more high-skilled, high paid jobs and opportunities’.

We have a once-in-a-Parliament opportunity to capitalise on this through the promise of a sector deal.

In devising a deal, the Creative Industries have made good progress so far thanks to the work of the sector and of course Sir Peter’s independent review, which we will hear about in a minute.

We have a down-payment today with the announcement of the AHRC funding for research and development partnerships across eight creative clusters.

The key challenge now is turning a lot of compelling ideas, at varying stages of development, into a tangible agreement. An agreement which is credible and has buy-in from both Ministers and the industry.

There is definite appetite in Government to land an ambitious deal and this review is a really valuable input. But there are also real constraints – not least financial. As you would expect in a time of continued austerity, the bar to new Government money is very high. The starting point is spending existing resources better.

There is also time pressure. As ever with these things it is more important to get it right than to get it fast. But we also want to get on and reach an agreement as quickly as possible, taking advantage of the platform the Industrial Strategy provides. Success will depend on the commitment behind the offer from industry, and how that fits with the strategic challenges set out in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper.

So I encourage Creative Industries leaders to continue to work together and wow Government with a compelling proposal. As the statutory sector body, the Creative Industries Council will lead negotiations on the deal – and I pay tribute to Nicola Mendlesohn who has done a fantastic job as chair – with critically important input from the Creative Industries Federation, under John Kampfner’s outstanding leadership, as well as from others across the sector. We are keen for those discussions to move forward.

Times are challenging but the prize is big so let’s be bold and ambitious; do what you do best – thinking creatively! – so we can deliver real change that takes the UK’s creative industries to the next level of success.

I am now delighted to hand over to Sir Peter to tell you about the detail of his review.

The British Embassy in Kuwait is proud to announce the return to Kuwait of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows following their spectacular display here last November. In their third visit to Kuwait the world’s premier aerobatic display team will be performing a 22 minute show commencing at 4pm on Thursday 28 September. The display will be visible along the length of Arabian Gulf Street so come along to find your spot anywhere between the Marina Mall and the Kuwait Towers.

The Red Arrows have been impressing crowds across the United Kingdom and around the world for more than 50 years. 2016 was a particularly exciting year for the team, performing in China for the first time as well as mounting displays in 16 countries, including Kuwait, on their way to and from the Far East. The team, which flies British-built T1 Hawk fast-jets, will have completed more than 4800 shows since their very first show in 1965. Today, the Red Arrows are known and admired throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great Britain wherever they fly. In addition to demonstrating the UK’s commitment to regional security and defence, the RAF team also support UK industry by showcasing the capabilities of British equipment and expertise. Inspiring millions of people every year, the world’s premier aerobatic team, the Red Arrows represent excellence both at home and overseas through their display of speed, agility and teamwork.

The Red Arrows also support national initiatives to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects which showcases the common goal of the Red Arrows and that is the constant pursuit of excellence.

Also visiting Kuwait at the same time as the Red Arrows will be the Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling MP, the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport.

During the Red Arrow’s visit to Kuwait, the team will make a number of public appearances, including meeting children from local schools.

Jacky Perkins, Chargé d’ Affaires at the British Embassy in Kuwait said:

It is our honour and privilege to welcome the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows to Kuwait again after a wonderful display last November. The Red Arrows’ show celebrates the UK’s continued commitment to Kuwait and our longstanding bilateral defence relationship. The defence and security relationship between Kuwait and the UK remains strong and we are very grateful to the Government of Kuwait, especially Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence HE Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah for supporting the red Arrows and making this fantastic event possible.

Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows team Wing Commander Martin Higgins said:

Detailed preparation goes into each and every aspect of the Red Arrows year, which involves a continuous high-tempo cycle of training displays and engagement activities. Whether it is a performance at a home venue in the UK or a show overseas, such as Kuwait, the Red Arrows help to project vital influence, promote prosperity and support important national interests.

DSSC Online is unavailable for users managing duty rota work for 24 hours.

The shutdown is to allow essential maintenance work to take place.

The closure is from 00:01am 27 September 27 to 00:01am Thursday 28 September 2017.

Further information

dscc.enquiries@ventura-uk.com – to email enquiries

DSCC Online – shut for maintenance 27 September 2017

A UK in Pakistan; photography exhibition was launched in Hyderabad on 26th Sept by the Acting British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, Steve Crossman, and the British Council Director for Sindh and Balochistan Christopher Hunt.

The exhibition, entitled ‘Shared History; Shared Future’ showcases 70 years of UK-Pakistan relations and will be open to the general public from 26 to 28 September at the Benazir Bhutto Art Gallery, Institute of Art and Design, University of Sindh Jamshoro. The same exhibition has already opened at the British Parliament in London, and is touring across nearly 20 major cities in Pakistan and the UK.

Speaker of the Sindh Provincial Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sindh Jamshoro Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Burfat, also joined the Acting British Deputy High Commissioner and British Council Director Sindh and Balochistan at the event along with officials from the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi, guests from the university and local businessmen in Hyderabad.

The Acting British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, Mr Steve Crossman, said:

2017 is a historic year as we celebrate 70 years of friendship between the UK and Pakistan, and we are delighted to bring our photography exhibition to Hyderabad. The photographs that are displayed in this exhibition showcase our cooperation in trade, sports, politics, development, defence, education, infrastructure and culture over the last 70 years and we look towards deepening our friendship over the next 70 years.

Education plays an important part in our friendship as we look to progress together. Pakistan is the recipient of the biggest DFID education programme anywhere in the world. Many Sindhi scholars win Chevening scholarships to study in the UK. These scholarships serve to deepen the warmth and understanding between our two countries, whilst attracting the brightest and the best to study in the UK. The scheme is seeking 2018/19 applicants now. And next month we will be launching our GREAT debate competition for students nationwide. We encourage you to participate!

The British Council Director Sindh and Balochistan, Mr Christopher Hunt, said:

In 1947 the British Council first started its work in Karachi and we have been working in Pakistan ever since. Today, we work in all of the provinces of Pakistan and engage with millions of Pakistanis every year.

In Sindh over the past two years we have helped nearly 45,000 boys and girls enrol and stay in school and we have supported tens of thousands of students in Sindh gain internationally recognised qualifications and work towards a promising future. British Council Pakistan will continue to create opportunities for the people of our countries; helping people in Pakistan benefit from the UK’s skills and experience whilst supporting people in Pakistan share their expertise with the UK”.

The British High Commission’s ‘Shared History Shared Future.’ photography exhibition is currently touring the UK and will continue to be exhibited in other cities in Pakistan.

Throughout the year, the British High Commission, in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission in London, is organising several events and activities to mark 70 years of UK and Pakistan’s relations. Details of these events are regularly featured on the British High Commission’s social media pages.

Contact

More Information

For updates on the British High Commission’s 70th Anniversary of UK – Pakistan relations:

About the British Council:

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We create international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and build trust between them worldwide. We value diversity and difference. We work in over 100 countries in the areas of arts, education and English. We have been working in Pakistan since 1947. British Council website

The Minister will meet President Sargsyan, Prime Minister Karapetyan, Speaker of the National Assembly Parliament Babloyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nalbandian and other senior officials. Sir Alan will hear firsthand about Armenia’s political and economic reform programme and will reiterate UK support for the ambitious reforms to enhance the resilience and prosperity of the country.

The UK has been supporting the government’s reform programme, including helping the National Assembly prepare for its greater oversight powers, supporting the Ministry of Justice implement an anti-corruption strategy and working with the Ministry of Defence to embed European Human Rights standards in the Armenian armed forces.

In a speech to the National Assembly of Armenia, the Minister will champion the important role of parliament in a democracy, and in turn the role of parliamentarians in representing the people who elect them.

Ahead of his visit, the Minister of Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, said:

My first visit to Armenia is an opportunity for me to celebrate the UK’s support to Armenia in its consolidation as a democratic, resilient and prosperous country. Over the 25 years since we established diplomatic relations, co-operation has flourished across a range of spheres – including political, commercial, educational and cultural.

We believe there are further opportunities to deepen our co-operation. I look forward to meeting President Sargsyan, Prime Minister Karapetyan, Foreign Minister Nalbandian and other high level officials in Armenia. I will outline the UK’s readiness to support Armenia’s efforts to embed democracy, good governance and human rights and explore ways to boost trade between our 2 countries.

Following his visit, the Minister gave an update on how the UK is supporting Armenia’s constitutional progress:

Sir Alan Duncan’s visit

Further information