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<p>I am writing as a concerned constituent and a strong supporter of the UK’s grassroots live comedy sector, to urge you to support the Live Comedy Association’s open letter to the Culture Secretary.</p> <p>The letter is calling on the government to provide recognition for those working in the sector, and include grassroots live comedy in support packages it has already offered to grassroots live music. In my mind there is little structural difference between the live music sector and the live comedy sector however live comedy is largely ignored by government which is putting the sector at risk in several ways.</p> <p>In recent times the live music sector has received considerable government support including:</p> <ul> <li>business rates support package</li> <li>a specific funding programme from DCMS, administered by Arts Council England</li> <li>advocacy to set up the voluntary arena ticket contribution</li> <li>numerous mentions of grassroots live music in policy statements and priorities</li> </ul> <p>These actions, and others, have significantly assisted those working in live music and has supported new and emerging talent, as well as the live music ecosystem across the UK. Whilst these things are welcomed, I am now requesting your support to ensure this is formally extended to grassroots live comedy.</p> <p>The UK live comedy sector is said to be worth over £1billion to the economy each year however the grassroots ecosystem remains fragile and too often overlooked by policy and funding structures which favour established and institutional parts of the creative industries. Live comedy is developed and emerges from small venues, rooms, festivals and clubs which help support emerging talent, build communities, support high streets and the wider night-time cultural ecosystem.</p> <p>The recent Live Comedy Association survey and report highlights the vibrancy and resilience of the sector, whilst also illuminating the economic challenges, inequalities and regional imbalances that performers and people working across the live comedy sector face. By recognising live comedy as a significant and essential part of the creative industries we can safeguard this uniquely British cultural export, whilst also reinforcing its role here in the UK.</p> <p>I am therefore urging you to officially sign and support the LCA letter which can be seen by visiting <a href="https://livecomedyassociation.co.uk/mpletterjune2026" target="_blank">https://livecomedyassociation.co.uk/mpletterjune2026</a>. The hope is as many MPs will sign the letter by the end of June so I would appreciate your prompt action.</p> <p>I know the Live Comedy Association would welcome contact from you directly if you wish to obtain further information about grassroots live comedy, and specifically what it looks like in your region. Further information about their work can be seen by visiting <a href="www.livecomedyassociation.co.uk" target="_blank">www.livecomedyassociation.co.uk</a> or emailing <a href="mailto:hello@livecomedyassociation.co.uk">hello@livecomedyassociation.co.uk</a>.</p> <p>Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.</p>

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