Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has delivered a speech in Parliament on Tuesday, 3 June, calling on the Government to commit to a clear timeline for legislation that protects the intellectual property rights of UK creatives in the face of rapid AI development.
Speaking during the debate on the Data (Use and Access) Bill, Julian expressed concern over the lack of urgency from the Government in addressing what he described as the “theft of property” from composers, writers, filmmakers, and other creatives.
“Greater and greater volumes of intellectual property—hard-fought rights—are falling into the AI hopper, never to be seen again,” Julian said. “There is no system of redress other than expensive legal action. Creatives are desperate. Most do not have the workers’ rights the majority of us enjoy. All they have is their intellectual property.”
Julian criticised the absence of a firm commitment from the Government to bring forward a new Bill, warning that without action, the UK’s world-leading creative sector faces continued erosion of its rights and incentives.
He urged the Government to accept a transparency amendment proposed by the House of Lords, which would require Ministers to return with a Bill and provide reassurance to the sector.
“This amendment is a modest proposal to disagree well,” he said. “It should be accepted not only to support one of the UK’s leading economic sectors but also as a sign of respect between our two chambers.”
You can watch Julian's full speech, here.
