Member

Sector representatives and I have gone out of our way to urge the Government to bring forward something that represents a safety net for the creative industries and, in turn, a safety net for the Government and the country. It is a simple amendment that would allow a rights holder to identify who, what, when and why creative copyright was taken. Ministers are briefing that that is not possible, but I am afraid that is not true. It is something that has been done in response to amendments I have laid several times before in your Lordships’ House. Not only is it possible, but it is essential for the health of the sector and if the UK is to play a significant part in the AI economy, not be simply a footnote in its history. The amendment in front of us is worth having but make no mistake: previous amendments rejected on procedural grounds were better. This amendment simply makes sure that reports brought forward under the Bill cover the scale of theft of copyright material and identify regulatory gaps and that that information is brought to Parliament. It also requires a draft Bill to address any regulatory gaps. The first part of the amendment is there only to ensure that the Government are transparent about the needs of the draft Bill. It is not a compromise; it is not even a sticking plaster. It is essential that we have a draft Bill.