By Ray Anyasi— September 16, 2025
As President Donald Trump prepares to visit the United Kingdom, a coalition of leading voices from the UK’s creative industries has issued an urgent call to Prime Minister Keir Starmer: protect the rights of artists, writers, and musicians from the unchecked advance of artificial intelligence.
In an open letter signed by over 400 prominent figures—including Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, authors Jeanette Winterson and Antonia Fraser, and music legends Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney—the group demands transparency and accountability from AI developers who ingest copyrighted works without consent.
The Battle Over the Data Bill
The protest follows the House of Commons’ rejection of a key amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which would have required AI firms to disclose which copyrighted works they use to train their models. The amendment, championed by Baroness Beeban Kidron, is now headed for a critical vote in the House of Lords on September 18.
The letter warns that without these protections, the UK risks “giving away our work at the behest of a handful of powerful overseas tech companies,” undermining both future income and the nation’s status as a creative powerhouse.
Artists Speak Out
Musicians have been particularly vocal. Sir Elton John described the UK’s creative sector as “the envy of the world,” while Sir Paul McCartney cautioned that AI could “rip off” artists. Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Damon Albarn joined over 1,000 musicians in recording a silent protest album to highlight the issue.
The proposed changes would allow AI models to train on copyrighted material without a licence, forcing creators to opt out rather than opt in—a reversal that many see as a threat to artistic autonomy.
Starmer’s Response
Prime Minister Starmer has acknowledged the concerns, stating: “I want creatives to thrive. I think they’re really important for our country—not just the contribution to the economy but our global reputation.” He confirmed that the government is reviewing responses to the consultation and aims to strike a balance between innovation and protection.
Trump’s Visit and Transatlantic Tensions
The timing of Trump’s visit adds geopolitical weight to the debate. Many creatives fear that UK policy may be swayed by American tech interests, especially given the dominance of US-based AI firms. The letter urges Starmer to resist pressure and uphold British values of fairness, transparency, and respect for intellectual property.
Baroness Kidron emphasized: “The UK creative industries reflect our national stories, drive tourism, create wealth for the nation and provide 2.4 million jobs. They must not be sacrificed to the interests of a handful of US tech companies”.
The House of Lords vote on the Data Bill amendment is scheduled for September 18. Creatives and rights advocates are urging the public to contact their MPs and support the Make It Fair campaign.
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