Viewpoint: John Denham.

Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills

Despite the UK Government's vote against copyright extension in Brussels last week, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham explains why he also wants to ensure that performers get the maximum benefit from the term Directive:

The British music industry is something to be proud of. Our musicians, writers, performers, producers and the works they create are an important part of our economy, generating more than 8% of the UK GDP and contributing more than a million valuable jobs. But more than that, their music helps define our culture and enriches the lives of millions here and abroad.

I want to ensure that all of those involved in generating that music get a fair reward. In particular, the people I want to help are the unsung heroes: the session players; the backing singers. Too often the debate about copyright focuses solely on featured artists and their record companies, but the discussions currently under way in Europe give us an important opportunity to argue for the rights of performers.

The message I am taking to my European colleagues is clear: we can't just focus on the length of copyright extension without making sure that performers are able to benefit from it during their lifetime. I want to see an adequate and fair reward in any extended period; a clean slate on royalties and the ability to use their recordings if the record companies no longer want to. These should benefit both existing and future performers.

Of course, the system of rewarding musicians needs to be flexible and must be supported by the record companies.