Confidential briefing note for UK Theatre Members

Political landscape update post the EU Referendum

This summarises the political landscape post the EU Referendum and provides insights on how our industry should respond.

With thanks to UK Theatre Board member, Rosie Luff.

UK Theatre’s response and ongoing strategy

 A joint statement with SOLT was released shortly after the result  Members reported their concerns relate to direct funding cuts, the overall health of the economy, the movement of people and workers and wider questions about the role culture may play in developing social cohesion. A more detailed summary can be found here.  The CEO and Head of UK Theatre have written to Secretary of State, Karen Bradley and Minister for Culture, Matt Hancock.  Members can read the recent speech given by the Chief Economist at the Bank of England, Andy Haldane, about the overall economic outlook.

UK Theatre wants to gather evidence of the immediate impact of the vote from Members, to be used in our advocacy work.

Please send all examples to [email protected]

Prime Minister, – people and priorities

 Members are encouraged to read Theresa May’s speech given outside of Number 10. It provides a helpful overview of her priorities and of the tone we can expect to influence her new policies.  She is keen to draw a distinction between Cameron’s time in office and hers. Do not anticipate a straightforward continuation of Conservative policies across all areas.  TM is particularly interested in consulting with her backbenchers for policy ideas.

Members are encouraged to continue to engage with their local MPs and talk to them about policy affecting our sector.

 Despite the government’s overriding concern with Brexit and its implications, TM is also deliberately seeking to focus on developing domestic policy. She will be particularly focusing on social mobility and education – at least a partial continuation of the Life Chances started under  Much of the thinking on this is being done by TM’s right hand man Nick Timothy who came from the New Schools Network and has written various articles – including in the FT and Schools Week.  The Northern Powerhouse dialogue isn’t expected to diminish, but additional focus may be given to regional identity, particularly the (where Nick Timothy grew up).

Government departments

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport

 Ed Vaizey and , are now back-benchers with incredibly good knowledge about our sector. Their aim now is to ensure that the government is properly informed and held to account.

Members are encouraged to continue to engage with Ed Vaizey and John Whittingdale by inviting them to first nights etc.

 The new Secretary of State for DCMS Karen Bradley and new Minister for Digital and Culture, Matt Hancock are both are keen to understand our sector and issues.

Members are encouraged to engage both Karen Bradley and Matt Hancock. UK Theatre will coordinate examples and information from members to brief them on key issues.

 Karen Bradley has stated that she believes her priorities to be broadcasting and media. KB is close to TM, having been her Minister at the . She was responsible for a difficult brief there - covering human trafficking, child exploitation.

 Matt Hancock is reportedly keen to progress diversity work – including BAME and class. He will also focus on technology in education, and digital developments, and how both can bring about social change.

 Rob Wilson has joined the DCMS as Minister for Civil Society (moved from Cabinet Office). This brief includes charities and the third sector. UK Theatre will champion the civic role that theatres play in communities.

Members are encouraged to share examples of their civic role in communities with UK Theatre.

 Tracey Crouch stays in place as sports minister. She is also responsible for policy affecting the National Lottery.

 DCMS special advisors will be appointed soon.

 Jesse Norman, formerly the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has become a Minister in the new Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. We will explore if ‘industrial strategy’ will link to DCMS and an industrial strategy for the Creative Industries.

 There will be a new appointment to the Chair of the Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport.

 Philip Hammond has been appointed Chancellor. He is not thought to be as strong a champion of art and culture as had been, and is unlikely to continue GO’s tactic of announcing small packages of funding. The Treasury will be likely to respond to rigorous cases put to them for money, backed up with strong data.

UK Theatre will advocate for the success of the Theatre Production Tax Relief – please share your experience of claiming the relief, including details of what the income has enabled you to do, with UK Theatre.

 Sajid Javid has been appointment as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, with responsibility for Local Authority funding.

 Justine Greening has been appointed as Secretary of State for Education. The department has gained apprenticeships and higher education from BIS. There is likely to be a focus on social mobility, and the SoS is keen to learn more about how this sector works.

 Climate Change and energy has moved in the new Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

 Foreign Office - Boris Johnson’s has been appointed to a smaller role as Foreign Secretary. For example, M15 and M16 report directly into TM.

 Two new departments have been created:

 Exiting the European Union - headed-up by David Davis, a libertarian Brexiteer. It was reported that the department will be open to hearing a positive tone, and keen to hear about potential opportunities.

 Department for International Trade, with Liam Fox as Secretary of State. This department will be taking on a lot of the function of the UKTI. Our sector could present the case for strong cultural exchange, and an exemplary regional theatre industry, leading to an increase in international trade.