Framing the arts sector as ‘our global economic superpower’ Dinenage not only underscored British arts’ contribution to GDP and ‘soft power’, but also called for a more integrated, collaborative relationship between AI development and the creative economy: a unity rooted in mutual respect, protection of intellectual property, and shared growth.

Celebrating the Arts

At the Get Britain Growing reception, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP gave an impassioned celebration of Britain’s creative sector. Indeed she has a long-standing record of championing the arts and culture, most recently serving as Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee (formerly the DCMS Committee), which scrutinises government policy on culture, media, arts and broadcasting. Within that role she has both challenged budget cuts to the arts, and has also engaged with the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, pressing for stronger ambition and clarity in support, especially for smaller and independent arts organisations.

She celebrated Britain’s rich creative tradition and heritage: ‘our creative industry sector is our global economic superpower. We’re bloody brilliant at this stuff’. Not only on a domestic level, she emphasised, but internationally, the UK’s artistic scene harnesses a vast power, attracting global capital and audiences. She noted that in 2023, around £5.6 billion was spent on British film and high-end television, much of which was overseas investment – testament to the country’s world-leading cultural prowess.

Global cultural ambassadors

There are plenteous, oft-celebrated examples of Britain’s industrial talent, symbolised in manufacturing giants such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. But, Dinenage argued, the UK’s creative exports, from the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre to global cultural icons like Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa, are equally vital ambassadors of British innovation, culture, and influence.

She described this as boasting potentially ‘huge firepower’: ‘our creative industries do so much for our economy, but they also do so much for our soft power around the world’.

A False Divide: AI and the Creative Economy

However, Dinenage lamented, the creative industries are consistently ‘pitted against’ the AI sector. She feels that this does not need to be the case: to her, it is ‘deeply unfair’ and frustrating. She insisted that the arts have always been early adopters of technology, actually very in touch with its rapidly moving developments – she cites language dubbing in films as an example of AI harnessed for creative endeavour. By not maximising the potential of the unity between creativity and AI, we inadvertently pit the two against each other, Dinenage insisted: the forces do not need to be warring or competitive.

A Record of Support and a Call for Integration

The creative economy and AI development, she insisted, must grow together, underpinned by strong intellectual property protections and mutual investment. The AI sector, she claimed, depends upon ‘having vibrant and solid creative industries, but also having really solid and vibrant intellectual property’ which is protected, maintaining its high-quality output.

She suggested that the government could benefit from the same sort of partnership she demonstrated during the pandemic: when she introduced the film and TV restart scheme to facilitate the continuation of British film and television through the pandemic.

Ultimately, Dinenage considers the creative sector one of Britain’s greatest gifts; but its potential can skyrocket, and the UK can unleash its full growth potential, once brought into more sustained collaboration with the AI and technology sectors.

The fund will help secure the longevity of civic museums in regions across the country, helping to protect jobs and opening hours, and ensure that their vital role in celebrating local heritage can be maintained.

Organisations across the country are set to receive a share of the funds, including London’s Fulham Palace, the Birmingham Museums Trust and Manchester’s People’s History Museum.

Smaller regional organisations will also receive funding as part of the package, including the Lake District’s Lakeland Arts and The Cromwell Museum in Cambridgeshire.

The Museum Renewal Fund forms part of the government’s wider £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund, which aims to boost growth within the cultural sectors as part of the government’s wider efforts to drive growth within the UK economy through their Plan for Change.

According to government estimates, around 660,000 people work in the cultural sectors across the country, while the creative industries as a whole contribute £124 billion to the UK economy.

Museums Minister, Baroness Twycross said: “Museums offer a place where people from all backgrounds can learn, be inspired and delve into our rich history, helping to understand the stories that led us to where we are today.” 

“The Museum Renewal Fund is contributing to the delivery of our Plan for Change. It ensures much-loved civic museums can remain open and continue to provide opportunities for future generations to learn about our shared heritage and how their local community has played its part in our national story.” 

One of the key beneficiaries from the funds, the Birmingham Museums Trust, is set to receive over £994,000, which will help improve access to the museum’s collections. This includes the Staffordshire Hoard – the world’s largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork.

The funds have been welcomed by many within the cultural sector.

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England said: “Travelling through cities, towns, and villages across the UK, I have seen that museums and art galleries are often a proud focal point in communities, telling important stories about history, people and place. This funding will provide a crucial lifeline for local museums in stabilising their financial situation and building towards a sustainable future.”

Featured image via HM Government.

The change would require at least ten Premier League matches every season to be broadcast on free-to-air television channels, such as the BBC or ITV.

The amendment would also require the League Cup Final and the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals to be available on free-to-air channels.

The upcoming 2025-26 season is airing under a new TV rights deal between the Premier League, Sky Sports and TNT Sports, which would air games through a subscription model.

Under this deal, fans hoping to catch each game in the season could have to fork out £660 a year.

Recent figures suggest that the soaring subscription expense could be to blame for the recent crash in Sky Sports and TNT Sports viewers.

Last year, Premier League viewership fell by 10 per cent on Sky Sports and a further 17 per cent on TNT Sports.

Currently, La Liga, Spain’s top football league, offers one free game per week to fans through the streaming service DAZN.

The Liberal Democrats, who introduced the amendment to the Bill, have suggested this model could be replicated in the UK.

As part of their 2024 election manifesto, the Liberal Democrats committed to making football games more accessible to fans.

Max Wilkinson MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport said: “I’m urging MPs of all stripes to back our amendment to tear down the paywall and make Premier League games available on free to air channels.

“For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier that keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters.

“Fans are being rinsed of every last penny to watch the beautiful game, while the next generation of Bellinghams and Bronzes are priced out of the chance to see football played at the very top level.

“That must end today – with a free to air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country.”

Featured image via Pexels

Among those contributing to the discussion were Björn Ulvaeus, UKAI CEO Tim Flagg, Chi Onwurah MP, and Dame Caroline Dinenage MP – all centering around one question: how can AI flourish without compromising the rights and protections that all present agreed should be rightly afforded to artists?

‘Copyright is not a hurdle – it’s protection’

Speaking passionately on behalf of UKAI, Tim Flagg set out why copyright isn’t a barrier to growth – it’s a keystone upon which it is founded: “The AI sector depends on high quality, trusted content and creators.”

He continued: “Copyright is not a bureaucratic hurdle. It is how we protect creativity, innovation and economic value. It may not always sound glamorous, but intellectual property underpins the success of British innovators, including AI companies, helping them compete, helping them to grow and attract investment. Copyright drives economic growth.”

Tim also explained that regulatory guardrails will encourage innovation far more than it will stifle it – highlighting the need to avoid repeating the mistakes of recent years that have seen big tech dominate.

As the government begins to take steps to implement the AI Opportunities Action Plan – he laid out the situation at hand plainly: “The government faces a clear choice: do they protect the rights of UK creators and innovators, or give those rights away to a handful of global corporations?”

Creatives and AI: embracing progress with clear boundaries

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee emphasised that the UK’s creative industry are eager to work with the AI sector. As she put it, creatives are at the “forefront of technology – they are not Luddites as sometimes is portrayed.” In particular, she said, her committee’s report into film and high end TV found that those corners of the creative sector have “absolutely no desire to restrict AI technology” – noting the prevelance of AI aging and de-aging tools.

“Producers and creatives want to use AI responsibly. They’re looking for guidance and certainty, not loopholes or legal grey areas,” she said.

Dame Caroline also echoed Tim Flagg’s calls for regulatory guardrails as supports to growth and explained what those guardrails might look like in practice. She outlined her committee’s recomendation that a mandatory certification for ethical AI use be established to ensure that all stakeholders can be confident in the presence of accountability, certainty and protection when dealing with AI.

“We don’t need to rip up our copyright framework,” she added. “We need to strengthen and modernise it – not just for creators, but for the entire economy that depends on their work.”

Björn Ulvaeus: “AI is a tool – not a free pass”

ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, who is also President of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), brought an artist’s perspective to the table.

Ulvaeus cited his own experiences with using AI creatively to demonstrate how AI can open new creative avenues for artists: “I use AI almost daily when writing songs. It’s like an extension of my mind,” he said.

The ABBA legend argued that copyright must evolve to accommodate AI, rather than be weakened by it. He described AI as a tool to enhance artistry, rather than a threat to it. If a fair and equitable system is built to govern the relationships between AI, artists, and their work – this would empower creatives, he said.

He reiterated that regulation would not be an attempt to stifle or suffocate AI but to protect creators: “The truth is that creators are not afraid of AI. They are afraid of losing their rights and losing their income.”

A collaborative path forward

Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between tech and creative sectors.

Referencing joint hearings held with Dame Caroline’s committee, she said: “We often heard from creators, and we heard from tech – but rarely in the same room. Today, we’re fixing that.”

She called for innovation grounded in transparency, rights reservation, and fair licensing and emphasised the importance of shaping technology rather than letting it shape us. She spoke about her optimistic outlook on technology and AI: “Technology is not something that happens to us. It should not be something that shapes us. It is something that we can shape.”

A unified message to government

Baroness Beeban Kidron, who convened the roundtable, closed the discussion with a call to action, urging those present to support a letter she plans to send to the Prime Minister.

“I will, before it comes back to the Lords, be writing a letter to the Prime Minister,” she said. “And I’m asking every single person who has previously written to me, written to the government in private, whatever, to actually sign my letter.”

She stressed the scale and urgency of the issue, underscoring the importance of collective support from across the creative and technology sectors: “I think that the Prime Minister himself needs to understand that this is thousands and thousands of jobs, thousands and thousands of people for whom this is an existential issue.”

Final thought

Yesterday’s roundtable was a demonstration of one of Britain’s best advantages when it comes to AI – our indigenous AI industry excels in its willingness and enthusiasm to dialogue with stakeholders that have concerns about how AI could impact them. It’s this that means Britain is best positioned to take advantage of the AI boom.

From lawmakers to legendary artists, there was clear consensus that the creative and technology sectors are not at odds – they are interdependent. By continuing to discuss key issues, it will be possible to ensure that AI innovation is grounded in fairness, transparency and respect for all – especially creators who underpin the UK’s global cultural standing.

Featured image via Carl Court/Getty Images

Adolescence Highlights Prevalence of Youth Violence in the Digital Realm

Despite a decline in recent years, the overall incidence of youth violence remains alarmingly higher than a decade ago. A significant factor contributing to this trend is the pervasive exposure of young people to violent content on social media platforms. A survey conducted by the Youth Endowment Fund revealed that 25% of young respondents in England and Wales encountered instances where social media platforms suggested violent content to them. While a direct causal link between online violence and real-world incidents remains inconclusive, the impact on youth perceptions and behaviours cannot be overlooked.​

“Prevention is better than cure; investing in youth services today can deter violence tomorrow.”​

Youth Select Committee

Regulating Social Media: A Call for Accountability

The Youth Select Committee report underscores the imperative need for robust regulation of social media platforms to protect young users from harmful content. The Government’s Online Safety Act aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework, tasking Ofcom with ensuring that companies remove content that encourages self-harm or incites violence and that their platforms are age-appropriate. However, concerns persist regarding the pace and efficacy of these regulatory measures. The Youth Select Committee advocates for increased transparency and public awareness, highlighting both commendable and deficient practices by social media companies to drive better compliance.​

The Role of Influencers and the Spread of Harmful Content

Influencers wield significant power in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young audiences. The report highlights instances where toxic influencers glorify violence or present crime as a lucrative endeavour, particularly appealing to youths facing socioeconomic challenges.

Addressing the dissemination of such harmful content is paramount, necessitating collaboration between the government and social media companies to ensure that detrimental narratives are neither promoted nor financially rewarded.

“Empowering young people with digital literacy is essential in navigating the complexities of the online world.”​

Youth Select Committee

Preventative Measures: Investing in Youth Services

Prevention is identified as a cornerstone in combating youth violence. The report emphasises the critical role of youth services and ‘third spaces’ – safe environments beyond home and school – in providing support and early intervention for at-risk youths. However, the past decade has seen significant cuts to youth services, undermining these preventative efforts. The government’s proposed ‘Young Futures’ programme seeks to establish youth hubs aimed at deterring young individuals from engaging in violent activities. For such initiatives to be effective, they must be adequately funded and sustainably implemented.

Educational Institutions: Fostering Digital Literacy

Schools play a pivotal role in equipping young people with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. The Youth Select Committee report calls for enhanced digital literacy education, empowering students to critically assess online content and recognise potential harms. Additionally, upskilling teachers and youth practitioners is essential to provide them with the tools necessary to guide and support students in this endeavour.​

Supporting Families: Empowering Parents and Carers

The influence of parents and carers is instrumental in shaping young people’s online experiences. The report advocates for providing families with resources and guidance to understand the digital platforms their children engage with, enabling them to offer informed support and establish appropriate boundaries.​

“Collaboration across sectors and inclusion of youth perspectives are key to crafting effective policies against online violence.”

Youth Select Committee

Law Enforcement: Building Trust and Community Engagement

Effective policing strategies that prioritise community engagement and trust-building are vital in addressing youth violence. The report endorses the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, emphasising the importance of officers forming meaningful relationships within communities. Furthermore, adopting best practices in the use of social media by police forces can aid in disseminating positive messages and countering harmful content.

Cross-Government Collaboration and Youth Involvement

A holistic approach involving cross-government collaboration is essential to tackle the multifaceted issue of youth violence linked to social media. The report highlights the necessity of involving young people in policymaking processes, ensuring that their perspectives and experiences inform strategies and interventions.​

Final Thought

The Youth Select Committee’s report serves as motivation to address the complex interplay between social media and youth violence. By implementing comprehensive regulations, investing in preventative measures, enhancing education, supporting families, fostering community policing, and encouraging collaborative governance that includes youth voices, society can work towards creating a safer digital environment for young individuals.​

The NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Cornwall is part of the NIHR and hosted by Cornwall Council. We are working to improve and embed research culture and capacity in local authority decision making and the services that impact people’s health. Ultimately we want to improve peoples’ experiences of the wider determinants of their health.

What is Research Culture and Why Does it Matter?

Interest in evidence based policy assumes that research improves practice and delivery. This is not a given. A study by Janie Percy-Smith of Leeds Metropolitan University[1] found that there was:

Limited Access and Use: Dissemination of research outputs was often patchy with front-line officers and elected members often lack access to and skills/capacity for using research effectively.

Preference for In-House Research: In-house or commissioned research was often preferred over externally generated research.

Skills and Coordination Gaps: There is a lack of dedicated research staff and specialist skills, leading to inconsistent research practices.

The study suggests local authorities should:

1. Enhance access to research
2. Develop research skills and training
3. Employ dedicated research staff
4. Foster a research positive culture
5. Improve dissemination practices

These are largely in line with the UKRI’s Independent Report into Research Culture Initiatives in the UK. The report suggests we prioritise collective effort engaging all parties in research with a common language, that we curate and share existing, emerging and future practices, integrate research into leadership structures, and encourage the publication of all evaluations (including those with less positive outcomes).[2]

In Cornwall we are working to do just this, collaborating with our partners at the Universities of Exeter, Plymouth and Falmouth. We are unlocking the power of research to change peoples’ experiences of what determines their health, from their education to their housing, food, employment and engagement with technology.

Citizens Research Group – By building a Citizens Research Group, comprising voluntary and community sector organisations and a dedicated work force within the local authority, we hope to surface and engage with the research priorities of Cornwall’s citizens as well as offer research skills and training at a grassroots level.

Journal Club – Providing a monthly space for officersand those working in the community to come together for facilitated / targeted discussion of relevant academic literature. We hope this will widen access to, and build confidence in engaging with, research outputs, whilst also exploring cutting edge insights and how these might impact policy.

Discussion series – Our monthly programme of speakers from academia to community organisations and elsewhere in government, provides not only stimulating content and discussion, but alsoa chance to understand more deeply some of the key issues facing local government with expert minds. It improves the visibility and relevance to research for officers’ day-to-day activities and contributes to a research positive culture.

Dissemination / Evidence reviews – A key challenge has been understanding the different ways that teams store, disseminate and engage with research and standardising this will be central for our success.

Developing a rolling and up-to-date priority list for Cornwall Council which can be shared with researchers in the regions’ Universities will help strengthen the feedback between policy, research and practice.

In the immediate term, Research Support Officers have been working to provide timely, tangible support to officers with evidence reviews and evaluation support packages.

Training pathways – Finally making it clear that research is integral to improved services and illuminating the often murky routes to support, formal training and career pathways will be crucial to broadening access and enabling participation from the people we need to reach.

Final Thought

The HDRC journey is just beginning in Cornwall and the successes already achieved as well as challenges identified will no doubt continue. Research culture and capacity, done right and embedded sustainably in local authorities will undoubtedly impact our ability to respond to the myriad challenges of the future across all aspects of our service.

The NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Cornwall is part of the NIHR and hosted by Cornwall Council. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

If you would like to find out more about this project or get involved, please get in touch at HDRC@cornwall.gov.uk

[1] Percy-Smith, J., Sanderson, I. and Dowson, L. (2000) Enhancing the Research Capacity of Local Government. London: Local Government Association and LARIA

[2] Shift Insight, UK Reproducibility Network & Vitae. Research Culture Initiatives in the UK, 2024, Research culture initiatives in the UK – UKRI

Chamber UK seeks to connect the council to the commons, providing local councillors with a platform to address issues affecting their residents. Please email info@politicsuk.com if you wish to contribute to our online journal.

Steffan Aquarone MP’s Top Festive Picks

In the first episode of the series, we were joined by Steffan Aquarone, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk.

Stefan shared his thoughts on reading as a busy MP, the joy of books set in his beloved North Norfolk, and his top picks for Christmas gifts and personal reading. Learn about his love for local authors like Elly Griffiths and D.J. Taylor, his reflections on crime and nature writing, and the importance of reading for both relaxation and inspiration. Stefan also gives a sneak peek into his own book, Fourth to First, which captures stories from his campaign trail.

To watch the full video, please click the YouTube link below.

Stephen Gethins MP’s Must-Read Recommendations

For the second episode in the series, Stephen Gethins, SNP MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, shared his top book recommendations for Christmas.

Stephen reflected on his love of history, poetry, and classic literature, offering thoughtful suggestions for personal reading and gift-giving. From Jim McIntosh’s poignant poetry on migration to Tolkien’s The Hobbit and Murray Pittock’s exploration of Scotland’s global history, there’s something for everyone.

Books Mentioned included, We Are Migrant by Jim McIntosh, The Caucasus by Tom De Waal, Scotland: The Global History by Murray Pittock, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. Plus, Stephen shares his favorite movie for the holidays: Lawrence of Arabia.

To watch the full video, please click the YouTube link below.

Ann Davies MP’s Christmas Book Collection

Next, we were joined by Ann Davies, Welsh Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin, who shared her top book recommendations for Christmas.

Ann reflected on her love for autobiographies and her deep connection to Welsh literature and culture. She highlighted the importance of storytelling within her community, from local tales to inspiring personal journeys. Her suggestions span politics, farming, and sports, offering meaningful reads for the festive season.

Books mentioned included Politics on the Edge by Rory Stewart, Proud by Gareth Thomas, Half Time by Nigel Owens, and a Welsh-language book co-authored by Meinir Howells and Andrew Davies, celebrating the life and struggles of modern farming families. Ann also praised Pobol y Cwm, a beloved Welsh sitcom, as her go-to show for holiday viewing.

To watch the full video, click the YouTube link below.

Adam Jogee MP’s Holiday Booklist

Adam Jogee, Labour Party MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, shared his top book recommendations for Christmas.

Adam reflected on his lifelong love of reading, recounting childhood memories of carrying two books at once and his enduring admiration for the written word. He offered thoughtful suggestions for personal reading and gifting, ranging from political biographies to local history and poetry. From Robert Caro’s volumes on Lyndon B. Johnson to Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom and the power of sonnets gifted by Dame Judi Dench, there’s a recommendation for everyone.

Books mentioned included The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro, King Charles III by Robert Hardman, The History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, and Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe. Adam also spotlighted a local author’s book on Newcastle-under-Lyme and a compelling read about Zimbabwe’s history by David Coltart. Plus, Adam shared his enthusiasm for Jimmy Carter’s inspiring biography and the role of written stories in fostering understanding, whether through Irish history or modern struggles.

To watch the full video, click the YouTube link below.

Final Thought

To explore more episodes of Baroness Barker’s Book Club – including discussions on the US election with Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC and Paula Sherriff, and a World AIDS Day special with Norman Fowler – click here . Don’t forget to subscribe to Chamber UK’s YouTube channel for exclusive access to all our content!

This year marks 25 years of devolution in Wales, and one of its greatest achievements to date is how the Senedd and the Welsh Government have led the way on sustainability. Jack Sargent discusses the transformative steps Wales is taking to build a sustainable future, focusing on groundbreaking legislation, educational reforms, and initiatives to support a green economy and the workforce of tomorrow.

At the heart of that approach has been something I know my father was extremely proud to have helped deliver – the introduction in 2015 of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. This groundbreaking legislation is a world first that requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions; to work better with people, communities, and each other; and to prevent persistent problems, such as climate change.

Many other organisations, large and small, are also part of this movement because they want to be part of the ‘Team Wales’ approach. 

The Curriculum for Wales, which commenced roll-out in 2022, represents the biggest change to what and how learners learn in Wales since devolution. This transformational new approach has been built by teachers and experts to prepare our learners for a changing world. One of its four purposes is to develop our young people as ethical, informed citizens, ready to be active citizens of Wales and the world – with building an understanding of climate change and sustainability mandatory.

This emphasis on purpose, relevance, and real-life contexts in learning gives learners the opportunity to connect their learning in different subjects and areas. We know that this ability to make connections, transfer understanding and think critically about learning is a key skill to thrive in the workplace.

Alongside our new curriculum, it is vital that qualifications change to reflect what and how learners are now taught. From September 2025, following extensive consultation, newly designed ‘made for Wales’ GCSEs will replace the existing GCSE offer available to most learners aged 14 to 16.

Furthermore, from September 2027, Wales will introduce the Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education (VCSE) for 14 to 16-year-olds.

I’m particularly excited about the new work-related VCSE qualification that will sit side by side with GCSEs and really raise the profile of vocational learning in schools, supporting learners’ transition to post-16 study.

It will mean that all learners – whatever their interests, aptitude, or ability – will be able to gain recognition and reward for what they know, understand and can do.

In addition, our Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project delivers activities linked to skills competitions that raise awareness of vocational education and training and career pathways.

I am also very proud that in Wales, 90 per cent of schools across every local authority take part in the Eco-Schools programme. This equates to more than 400,000 pupils – one of the highest participation rates in the world!

Wales also has a strong Further Education sector, which plays a vital role in delivering skills to learners of all ages. Colleges and independent training providers offer a range of courses and qualifications that cover various aspects of an individual’s career, from post-16 education to upskilling and career change reskilling. Many of the courses are fully funded and free as part of the Welsh Government’s funding arrangement with colleges.

Courses containing sustainability aspects or which intrinsically contribute to Net Zero-related careers, are increasingly being offered – from technical skills in engineering, construction, or agriculture to cross-cutting skills in leadership, digital literacy, and sustainability in the workplace.

Many colleges have invested heavily in their Net Zero provision, introducing specific skills hubs and academies to enhance the training offered.

The Welsh Government offers fully funded training through a network of Apprenticeship Training providers and associated frameworks. We have a funded apprenticeships offer around Net Zero skills and we plan to incorporate new and revised qualifications as they are developed to meet the changing needs of industry.

Wales also has an active Higher Education sector that is investing in and ensuring that the skills and cutting-edge research are there to meet the ambitions that will enable a low-carbon energy future.

Since August 2024, Medr – the new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research in Wales – has become the first-ever national steward for the whole tertiary education and research sector. The Commission will be responsible for the funding, oversight, and quality of the tertiary education sector and will take a system-wide view, shaping a new structure and system that better supports our learners.

All of this is underpinned by a commitment in our Programme for Government – the Young Person’s Guarantee – an ambitious programme providing 16 to 24-year-olds in Wales with support to gain a place in education or training, or support to get into work or self-employment.

I’m very familiar with what that support looks and feels like, and what a difference it can make to lives and livelihoods, having come through an apprentice graduate scheme myself in engineering thanks to Welsh Government support. 

A key part of my role is to now ensure we create and support an environment where a pipeline of skilled and talented individuals are afforded the same opportunity to thrive in sustainable, skilled work – one of our seven key priorities within our 2023 Net Zero Skills Action Plan. This will be crucial in helping meet our Net Zero commitments and transition to a greener economy whilst also ensuring the long-term prosperity of our future workforce. 

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Alison Ward

Associate Professor in Dementia Research at the University of Northampton

The Universities of Derby and Northampton have recently shared the outcome of an Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project on the benefits of using creative arts with people living with younger onset dementia. At their event on the 18^th September at the Enterprise Centre in Derby, the team celebrated the culmination of an innovative creative arts-based approach to assisting individuals with younger onset dementia and their families to enhance interpersonal engagement and personhood.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Younger Onset Dementia

The project was born out of the expertise of its leads, Associate Professor Clive Holmwood, Dr Gemma Collard-Stokes and Associate Professor Alison Ward. They are skilled in the areas of drama therapy, dance and movement, dementia and storytelling, respectively. This has led to the development of an initiative aimed at those under the age of 65 living with a diagnosis of dementia. The rationale for this focus was to explore the specific needs of this age group, who often lack specific community-based services that meet their needs.

There are an estimated 70,800 people living with young onset dementia in the UK, a rise of a 28,800 (69%) since 2014. People in this age group are often still working, have young families, may be caring for elderly relatives, and are physically fit and active. This diagnosis can have a significant impact on an individual and a family’s life, with reported loss of interaction with family and friends, loss of work and feelings of isolation, depression and loss of self-esteem.

There are few dedicated services that support people at this younger age with dementia or their families. The aim of this project was to draw on the creative arts (dance, drama, music and visual art) to pilot a new intervention to offer support and stimulation specifically to a younger group.

Creative Arts as a Therapeutic Intervention

The project ran two 10-week workshops. These used creative arts to provide a stimulating, fun and playful way of working with this group. The workshops were based on the underpinning theory of Neuro Dramatic Play (NDP), created by Dr Sue Jennings. NDP is an attachment-based intervention that uses a range of sensory, rhythmic, arts and dramatic play-based approaches. Through the sessions participants explored their creativity through art, puppetry, movement, music, storytelling and poetry, culminating in a performance to showcase the skills they acquired. An example of a group poem created on the theme of nature can be heard on our website.

The project has uncovered valuable data emphasising the importance of encouraging people to be creative and imaginative. The key findings highlight the way arts can support identity, communication and attachment with others. Other benefits were noted as a boost in confidence, improved quality of life and ownership. Furthermore, the learning from this pilot study provides ways to improve and widen the delivery so it can support a wider number of individuals. It has also emphasised the need for age specific services for those living with dementia that are community-based and provide an opportunity to engage in playful and engaging activities.

‘I feel fulfilled by it, … I enjoyed it, I thought it was interesting, [a] good place, … [and] looked forward to it. I am missing it, that is the big thing, …. It made us happy’

(Participant with dementia commenting on attending the workshops)

Next Steps: The Knowledge Café Initiative

The aim for the project is to now connect with others to expand on the delivery of this approach. We will do this by hosting a Knowledge Café to start exploring connections and develop a network of individuals and organisations to work collaboratively on the next stages of this work.

For any questions about the Knowledge Café or for more information about the Creative Arts project, please email the team at CDRG@derby.ac.uk or visit our website: https://cdrguk.wordpress.com/

To find out more about Curia’s Dementia Commission, please click here. A new report, outlining Curia UK’s Dementia Sprint which took place in Northamptonshire, will be published this month. For more information on how to become a HCLS Research Group Subscriber, please email team@curiauk.com for more information.

For the past 14 years, I’ve had the honour of representing, as its Member of Parliament, the constituency with the largest Jewish community of any in the UK.

In that time, I’ve had the privilege of access to the community itself, where I’ve seen the warmth, friendship, and mutual support that binds it together. The commitment to charitable works, to helping others, to education. The very essence of these traits is British to the core, and the individuals and groups I’ve had the pleasure of engaging with are a credit to themselves, their community, and our country.

What I’ve also seen during that time in interacting with the Jewish community, sadly, is the still-prevalent issue of antisemitism.

This has manifested in specific incidents, such as the “hate convoys” in Golders Green, in which vile, antisemitic vitriol and threats of violence were screamed at Jewish passers-by. It is also demonstrated in ongoing, deep-rooted ways, such as the intimidating, hostile atmosphere on university campuses towards Jewish students espousing views that don’t align with anti-Israel groupthink.

Whilst antisemitism has been a prevailing concern across my time in office, and one that I’ve looked to take action on both locally and in Parliament, the events of October 7^th last year undoubtedly represent a watershed moment in how brazen and regular antisemitism is becoming. As per data from the Community Security Trust, a Jewish security charity, there were 4,103 reports of anti-Jewish hate incidents in 2023, up from 1,662 in 2022 and approaching double the existing record of 2,255 in 2021.

These statistics are shocking, especially when considering the immense trauma suffered by the British Jewish community in the wake of the genocidal acts of Hamas in Israel, some of whom had relatives caught up in the horrific violence. I’ve seen first-hand the footage of the massacre; that anyone’s reaction to this could be to inflict further pain on the Jewish community is unconscionable.

Antisemitism, in all forms, is an egregious hate crime, and it is incumbent on us all to ensure that it is stamped out wherever it emerges. It’s vital that at this crucial stage – before such problematic views become endemic and societally acceptable – we push back against them, and against those who perpetuate anti-Jewish hatred. In my view, there are several ways to do so.

Policing to combat antisemitism

The Jewish community is understandably shaken by the vitriolic rhetoric that has been espoused at large-scale pro-Palestine marches since October. As a London-based MP, I’ve been inundated by concerned Jewish constituents scared to venture into central London on march days for fear of being targeted. They believe those involved in hateful behaviour within marches are allowed to act with impunity week-on-week, with no apparent punishment for their actions.

To be clear, I do not seek to ascribe all those taking part in these demonstrations as antisemitic; freedom of speech is a cornerstone of British democracy, and people are at liberty to express considered critiques. However, the prevalence of those hateful elements at marches, and their ability to espouse their vile abuse unchallenged, does speak to the increasingly permissive atmosphere for anti-Jewish sentiment in such settings.

I’ve engaged regularly with senior figures in the Metropolitan Police on the policing of these demonstrations over the past months, and I recognise the complexity of the challenges they face in preventing serious public disorder and identifying criminality.

Nevertheless, it is vital that where criminal antisemitic acts are committed, arrests are made and justice is shown to be carried out for all to see. Visible arrests, adaptive policing methods, and a more effective communications strategy are needed for the police to tackle antisemitism effectively.

Not only would this deter others from such behaviour but it would also be transformative for confidence in the police within the Jewish community.

Role of institutions

The UK is a nation characterised by the strength of its institutions – in government, in media, in education, and across the public sector. As such, these institutions have significant influence to set standards and norms and impact positive change.

As mentioned above, the safety of Jewish students on university campuses is a longstanding issue in need of urgent action, and there have undoubtedly been failures by many university leaders to crack down on antisemitic behaviour. Professional anti-Israel agitators have been allowed to permeate and radicalise student groups on campuses, resulting in horrific scenes of intimidation and abuse of Jewish students.

It goes without saying that universities would not tolerate intimidation, targeting, and abuse of students on account of their colour, and would not permit white supremacists to air their hateful views on campuses. Why then, should the same be allowed when it is Jewish students being targeted with antisemitic hate?

Real, substantive action – not lip service – to keep Jewish students safe and a zero-tolerance approach to the racial hatred of antisemitism is needed.

Education

Education is perhaps the most vital tool in combatting antisemitism, involving the teaching of critical thinking so that individuals accessing information online, or listening to views espoused by activists, can do so with the tools to differentiate between facts and fiction and can recognise hateful rhetoric. This is relevant and crucial not just for our young people, but for all ages.

Historical awareness is important, and it’s crucial that we continue to support organisations like the Holocaust Educational Trust in their vital work. We must never forget the lessons of the Holocaust, or the horrors it contained.

Finally, it’s worth noting that most Britons don’t personally know a Jewish person or family, and so, undoubtedly, will have limited understanding of the community as a whole and the specific issues it faces. We need to work on ways of showing ordinary Britons the community I’ve had the opportunity and privilege to see.

If we can get ordinary Britons to share the warmth of sharing a Friday night supper with Jewish families, this could go a long way in tackling antisemitism before it even has time to take root.

This is just one of the articles that features in Chamber’s ‘diversity and inclusion’ section in our pre-election edition of the journal. To gain online access, please subscribe here.

This opinion piece details how “Prima Facie” exposes the harsh realities of defending sexual assault cases while navigating pervasive rape myths. Through Rosie Cowan’s research and judicial reform initiatives, the play ignites a call to action against outdated attitudes, shedding light on the urgent need for societal change.

Theatrical Realism:

Prima Facie or ‘at first sight’, is an award-winning West End play, not about instantaneous love but unfortunately, something far more relatable.  

Prima Facie by Suzie Miller starring Jodie Comer, made its debut at the Stables Theatre in Sydney in 2019, before transferring to the Harold Pinter Theatre in London. The one-woman production reveals the complicated life of a barrister who guiltlessly defends people accused of sexual assault, using her tenacious drive and linguistic ability to bend the judge’s ear and often win her case. The play then turns when Comer’s character is sexually assaulted by a colleague and despite a trial, he gets off scott free. An unfortunate reality for the majority of rape and sexual assault cases in this country. 

However, perhaps a new initiative in Northern Ireland will ensure justice is served. Rosie Cowan, a lecturer at Queens University Belfast, has been conducting research into the impact of rape myths. She writes that “rape myths are false beliefs and stereotypes about rape, like what a victim wears or how much she drinks or indeed as happens in the play, her previous sexual history.” Cowan’s research, as well as the profound impact of the play have lead Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan to announce that judges need further training which will include, “newly available research or any other available material capable of improving the learning outcomes of the judicial participants.”

Rape Myths Unveiled:

Rape Myths and outdated attitudes such as ‘promiscuous underwear is an invitation for sex’, is not the only reason that so many sexual assault cases do not end in convictions or indeed why many do not make it to trial.

Prima Facie touches on the fact that court delays seriously impact the victims of these crimes. Recent figures uncovered by BBC News NI show that it takes 757 days on average for a sex crime to be dealt with in Northern Ireland considerably longer than most of other crimes. An investigation by UN Women UK found that 97% of women aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed, with a further 96% not reporting those situations because of the belief that it would not change anything.

Final Thought: A Call to Action:

In the wake of “Prima Facie” and the enlightening research of Rosie Cowan, it is imperative to recognise that the battle against sexual assault and rape myths extends far beyond the confines of the courtroom. The staggering statistics of court delays and underreported incidents of sexual harassment demand a collective response.

As individuals and as a society, we must actively challenge ingrained beliefs and behaviors that perpetuate victim-blaming and impunity. Empowering survivors to come forward, providing comprehensive support systems, and holding perpetrators accountable are crucial steps towards fostering a culture of empathy and justice.

Moreover, sustained efforts in education and advocacy are essential to dismantle the pervasive myths that continue to shroud sexual violence. By amplifying the voices of survivors, advocating for systemic reforms, and fostering a climate of accountability, we can strive towards a future where justice is not just a legal concept but a lived reality for all.

This issue is widespread and if Olivier award winning fiction can help bring justice, then it is duly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

To read more about Chamber’s insights on arts, culture and justice please click here.

Labour’s Plan for SMEs

Debbonaire began her speech with an emphasis on supporting small businesses, and the challenges facing those businesses, particularly the creative industries. Referencing policy that the Labour party has announced since 2023, she mentioned:

1. Legislating to tackle late payments: Government estimates £20 billion worth of unpaid invoices are overdue at any given time, causing Cashflow problems for SMEs in particular. Legislation to tackle this would include requiring audit committees of big businesses to report payment practices.
2. Scrapping business rates: Also pushed by parties including the Liberal Democrats, the ‘pay before profit’ model of business rates is often attacked as being unfair and a barrier to SMEs starting in their ventures. Labour aim to scrap business rates and replace them with incentives for investment.
3. Revolutionising apprenticeship and skills: By creating Technical Excellence Colleges to specialise in higher technical qualifications, and greater support for Local Skills Improvement Plans, alongside creating Skills England and transforming the Apprenticeship Levy to a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy, Labour hopes to address the skills shortages that are hampering SMEs from scaling up.

Combating Misinformation

Owen Meredith, from the voice of UK national, regional and local news and sponsor of the event, News Media Association (NMA), began his speech stressing the importance of journalistic integrity in combating misinformation and upholding the truth. With the onset of new technologies that might deceive and misinform populations, AI in particular, the importance of uncovering details and facts behind stories, and ensuring high standards of journalism is incredibly important, and is campaigned on by NMA and the 900 organisations it represents.

Meredith further highlighted the opportunities to collaborate with senior politicians including the Shadow Frontbench, to build consensus to support a free and sustainable press, legislating on online safety, digital markets and ensuring a balanced relationship with tech platforms, as well as how advertising budgets are shared with local publishers and SMEs here in the UK.

Chris Brumphet of Field Consulting, a communications consultancy, made a compelling case for why small business owners should support Labour. He cited the chaos of the past decade under Conservative governance, marked by erratic policy shifts and neglect of vital issues like business rates and infrastructure investment (‘Chaos has a Cost’). Brumphet articulated a desire for stability and evidence-based decision-making from a Labour government, underscoring the crucial role of economic growth in realising broader social goals.

What’s Next for Labour and Business?

Bringing speeches to a close (and opening the way for a positive evening of networking, Vice-Chair of SME4Labour, Mark Glover, stressed the importance of Labour reaching out to SMEs. Historically, Labour has often been portrayed as anti-business, but Glover was keen to highlight the changed party, with a changed relationship towards businesses. 

As the General Election campaign continues to grow, pressure will mount on Labour to create and share decisive policy on various topics. Curia’s own Life Sciences Industrial Strategy for a new government Programme, which you can preorder here, will be building on the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy announced by Labour earlier this year.

Chamber UK regularly works with third parties to support events with senior politicians. Past events have included keynote speakers, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP, and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan MP. If you or your business is interested in working with Curia to deliver a similar event, get in touch today at info@politicsuk.com.