Over 400 prominent UK musicians, actors, writers, and creatives, including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Kate Bush, and Dua Lipa, have signed an urgent letter calling on Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer to support changes to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. The amendments, proposed by Baroness Beeban Kidron, aim to protect UK creators’ rights in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI).
The letter highlights concerns that AI companies are using copyrighted works without consent or compensation. Creators warn that unless AI developers are transparent about how they use artistic material, the livelihoods of millions of UK workers in the creative industries could be at risk.
Baroness Kidron, a leading advocate for digital ethics, described the proposed amendments as a “crucial turning point” for UK creativity. The changes would require AI companies to disclose which copyrighted works have been used to train AI models, ensuring a fair licensing system that benefits creators.
With the House of Lords set to vote on the amendments on May 12, the creative sector, worth over £100 billion to the UK economy, is calling for immediate action. The letter is backed by a diverse range of figures from across the arts, including theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, author Kazuo Ishiguro, and actor Ian McKellen.
The UK’s creative industries, which support 2.4 million jobs, warn that without adequate copyright protections, AI could undermine years of hard work and innovation.
Lord Black of Brentwood, a Conservative Peer, stressed that transparency is key. “The Government must act now to protect UK creators from Big Tech,” he said.
As the debate over AI and copyright heats up, the message from UK creatives is clear: innovation should support, not replace, human artistry.
