Following a debate on the Live Music Bill, reintroduced into the House of Lords by Lord Clement-Jones, the Government has given its backing to the Bill, subject to certain amendments.

On Thursday, 10 March, the House of Lords debated “the Government’s assessment of the points-based system introduced in November 2008 as it affects non-European Union artists, performers, academics and others intending to work in the United Kingdom”.

On 9 March, the NCA held an Arts Hustings at Tate Britain during which arts and culture portfolio holders Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE MP, Ed Vaizey MP, and Don Foster MP were grilled by members of the sector on their parties’ arts policies. Chaired by Joan Bakewell, the event was both informative and entertaining, shedding light on numerous issues that the sector faces.

An audio recording of the arts funding debate held on 1 March at Kings Place is now available to listen to online for those who were unable to attend the event.

Transcript of NCA debate held at Kings Place on 1 March 2010, "This country can no longer afford to subsidise the arts."