The Publishers Association has recently endorsed the manifesto commitments on artificial intelligence and creativity set forth by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, citing significant implications for the book sector. With the upcoming general election scheduled for July 4th, both parties have delineated their plans to support creators, protect intellectual property, and enhance arts funding.
The Conservative Party has emphasized the protection and fair remuneration of creators, particularly regarding their work's use in AI. This initiative underscores the importance of intellectual property rights in an era increasingly dominated by AI technologies. Additionally, the Conservatives have pledged to safeguard freedom of speech and press, alongside extending the Community Ownership Fund to enable local communities to maintain essential public amenities such as libraries and leisure centers.
Conversely, the Liberal Democrats have committed to bolstering arts funding through the National Lottery and criticized the Conservatives for deprioritizing arts education in schools. They propose the establishment of creative enterprise zones to stimulate cultural productivity and advocate for a comprehensive Anti-SLAPP Law to fortify free speech protections.
Dan Conway, CEO of the PA, has lauded these manifesto inclusions, particularly the Conservatives' commitment to ensuring creators are justly compensated for their contributions when utilized by AI. The PA's Vision for Publishing has been a pivotal document, articulating the sector's primary requests from the government, including robust copyright protections and universal access to books for children. The PA’s endorsement reflects the industry's significance, contributing £11 billion to the UK economy and supporting 84,000 jobs, with the potential for significant growth over the next decade.
The PA's Vision for Publishing highlights ten critical areas for government action, such as respecting the UK's copyright framework, which incentivizes creation and investment by ensuring AI developers adhere to intellectual property laws. Additionally, the vision calls for government collaboration to ensure that every child has access to books, which is fundamental to fostering a literate and informed society.
Moreover, the Conservatives' manifesto includes leveraging philanthropic funding for libraries and museums, albeit with a cautionary note from CILIP, the library and information association. CILIP warns that while such funding can supplement, it should not replace sustainable, long-term public investment. They argue that professionally managed library services are essential for economic growth, lifelong learning, and achieving broader public policy objectives. The proposal to sell off community assets like libraries to be volunteer-run is viewed as short-sighted, potentially undermining the long-term benefits libraries offer.
As the political discourse unfolds, the Labour Party is anticipated to publish its manifesto, which will further shape the landscape of policy commitments affecting the book and creative sectors. The PA, along with other industry stakeholders, will continue to advocate for policies that bolster the publishing industry and protect the interests of creators in this dynamically evolving field.
