Member

The timing could not be more pressing. Our cultural infrastructure remains fragile, threatened by rising property values, changing consumer habits, and ongoing digitalisation. As the noble Earl has said, without legislative intervention, we risk losing irreplaceable cultural assets before communities can mobilise to protect them. This is a balanced and pragmatic proposal, respecting both community needs and property rights, while safeguarding the places where Britain’s cultural future is being written. I urge the Committee to support both amendments and to give cultural assets the recognition and protection they deserve.