News / Politics
Musicians urge support for Debbonaire
A group of musicians and arts professionals including Mamma Mia! writer Catherine Johnson have written an open letter to urge support for Thangam Debbonaire at the general election.
The incumbent Labour MP is up against Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer in Bristol Central, with several polls predicting that she will lose her seat.
But Debbonaire has said to ignore the polls and the open letter says the UK’s creative industries will be in a better place if the former professional cellist returns to the House of Commons where she is expected to be made culture secretary by Keir Starmer if he becomes prime minister.
is needed now More than ever
Here is the full text of the letter:
“Thangam Debbonaire has been shadow secretary of state for digital, culture media & sports for just nine months.
“Yet in that time she has transformed the status of policy toward the arts and arts education.
“As a former professional musician she understands the three dimensions of the arts: the power of the arts to transform lives; the way that arts education in schools enhances performance in all subjects, STEM subjects included; and the fact that the arts are one of the biggest revenue earners for UK plc.
“The creative industries employ one in 14 people, drive exports and give joy and inspiration to millions.
“The future for the arts in the west of England, and indeed in the country as a whole, would be in safe hands with Thangam Debbonaire our arts secretary in the House of Commons.”
Jeremy Little – percussionist
Laura Tanner – musician
Jill White – musician, former BBC music producer
Niall Hoskin – opera singer
Sarah Burns – orchestral player
Catherine Johnson – scriptwriter
Mark Lawrence – composer
Paul Riley – music journalist
Suzi Digby – conductor
Kathryn Hardman – musician
Sam Burns – founder and conductor, Gurt Lush Choir
David Burns – choir chairman
Clare Wilding – piano teacher
All of the candidates on the ballot paper for Bristol Central are due to take part in Bristol24/7’s hustings at the Bristol Beacon on Monday, July 1. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed via the Bristol24/7 YouTube channel from 7pm. If you want to ask a question, please email editor@bristol247.com
Main photo: Royal College of Music
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