Member

I join the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, in welcoming, and thanking the Government for, the decision to appoint a creative freelance champion. It is a long overdue recognition of the vital role freelancers play in our cultural and economic life. However, I add a note of caution. As currently conceived, and as highlighted by the noble Earl and the noble Lord, Lord Clement Jones, the champion will be based within DCMS and will report directly to its Ministers, with strategic plans and annual reports subject to departmental sign-off. Although that structure ensures government engagement, it raises concerns about independence. Will this person, for example, have the freedom to speak plainly and critically when needed? How easily will they be able to make demands for change in other departments?