Policy Download – August 2025

MPA submits evidence on Human rights and AI  

The MPA has submitted evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) as part of its new inquiry into how human rights can be protected in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI technology is increasingly used to create musical works, it raises important ethical and legal questions, especially around the protection of individual rights under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In our submission, we highlighted the potential risks AI poses to human rights and set out recommendations for how legal and regulatory frameworks could evolve to meet these challenges. Our aim is to help ensure that the rights of rightsholders are respected and safeguarded as AI continues to develop. 

Nigel Huddleston MP Appointed New Shadow Culture Secretary 

Nigel Huddleston MP has been appointed as the new Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Nigel brings experience from his previous ministerial roles in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), including as Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage. His return to the brief now from the Opposition frontbench comes at a key time for the creative industries. The MPA have written to congratulate Nigel on his new role and we look forward to engaging with him on the issues that matter most to our members, including copyright, AI, and support for the UK music sector. 

Parliament Launches Inquiry into UK Trade Deals with Key Global Partners 

The Business and Trade Committee has launched a new inquiry into the UK’s trade relationships with three of its most important partners: the United States, India, and the European Union. The inquiry will examine the effectiveness of existing and potential trade agreements, how they support UK businesses, and their broader impact on key sectors, including the creative industries. 

Given the global nature of music and the importance of international markets to our members, we have supported UK Music to produce a joint submission on behalf of the UK music membership. We’ll continue to advocate for the inclusion of strong provisions to protect intellectual property and support UK creators in any future trade negotiations. 

CMA Continues Consultation on Digital App Stores 

Following a public consultation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally designated Google and Apple as having Strategic Market Status (SMS) in key digital markets. This includes Google’s general search and search advertising services, as well as both Apple’s and Google’s mobile ecosystems, covering their operating systems, app stores, and web browsers. 

This new designation, made possible by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA), gives the CMA new powers to introduce binding rules and “pro-competition interventions” aimed at increasing fairness, supporting innovation, and ensuring more choice for consumers and businesses. 

The MPA, alongside our global trade body, the ICMP, submitted evidence to the CMA’s consultation, highlighting lessons from the EU’s Digital Markets Act and the importance of regulating Big Tech to protect creators’ rights. With Apple and Google now provisionally designated, we will be meeting with the CMA to explore how this new policy framework could help tackle piracy in app stores and better support rights holders. We’ll continue to keep members informed as this important work develops.