Comedy stars urge Burnham to prioritise industry in Budget
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 12:02 · Archive
Miriam Margolyes, Sir Stephen Fry and other comedy figures have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to support the comedy sector in the upcoming Budget.
Miriam Margolyes and several British comedy figures have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey to support the comedy industry in the upcoming Budget on 28 October. The signatories to the letter, organised by campaign group Comedy Representation and Artform Trust (Craft), include Sir Stephen Fry, Bill Bailey, Joe Lycett, Jason Manford and Alex Horne, alongside MPs including former Labour minister Liz Kendall and Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage.
Campaigners are seeking tax reform, funding and greater recognition for the comedy sector. In their letter, they wrote: 'Prime Minister, you have said you would like a little more comedy in politics, which creates connection. We would settle for a little of it in the Budget. Everything is a no until it is a yes; we would be glad to bring the industry to No 10 to make it a yes.'
Craft argues that comedy 'contributes far beyond the laughs', including through benefits to the economy and people's health. A meeting at Downing Street was scheduled for Monday as campaigners sought to put their case to Mr Burnham's team.
How it is being reported
- Miriam Margolyes and UK comedy legends make demand to Andy BurnhamMiriam Margolyes and British comedy legends have made a demand of UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.Oxford Mail · 13 Oct, 11:30
- Miriam Margolyes and UK comedy legends make demand to Andy BurnhamMiriam Margolyes and British comedy legends have made a demand of UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.Oxfordshire Guardian · 13 Oct, 11:30
In this story: Miriam Margolyes · Andy Burnham · Stephen Fry · Bill Bailey · John Healey · Comedy Representation and Artform Trust · Oxford
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