UK Music welcomes yesterday's (April 8th) approval of the Digital Economy Bill by Parliament.

One of the key purposes of this legislation is to reconnect consumers with the true value of creativity, and to build and develop a world class digital market.

Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of UK Music said:

“UK Music welcomes the creation of the Digital Economy Act. Firm foundations are now in place on which to develop the UK’s digital economy.

“The UK’s music industry has no urge to look backwards and, as we have consistently stressed, legislation is not a means to an end. It is a spur to action.

“We acknowledge that the real work begins now - both in terms of developing a Code of Practice with industry partners and Ofcom, cooperating with Internet Service Providers, and by opening up even more legitimate ways for fans to enjoy the music and creativity that they love.

“As outlined in Liberating Creativity, UK Music’s manifesto for the commercial music sector, we have ambitions to be a world leader by 2020. To realise this goal it is clear that we must meet these challenges and proactively embrace our digital future in the weeks, months and years ahead.”