Labour attacks Government for treating creative industries like ‘a second-rate sector’

Jarvis was appointed to the new role at the beginning of the month in a Labour party reshuffle that also saw Harriet Harman take over from Ivan Lewis as Shadow Culture Secretary.

Speaking in his new role, Jarvis says, ‘The UK creative industries is not, as the Government has treated it, a second-rate sector; it is a world-class leader. So I am committed to ensuring that the Government never loses sight of the significance of the industry and that they fully appreciate how vital it is in shaping our cultural and social outlook.’

A spokeswoman for Jarvis says he will look to address issues around culture in the regions and jobs in the cultural industries as part of his new role.

Last month the Labour Party launched its national Creative Industries Network of businesses, trade bodies and other organisations and attacked the Government for its ‘damaging’ education and arts policies.

The Coalition Government’s Creative Industries Council, which includes the Design Council and the Sorrell Foundation, met in July to discuss issues to put to Government.

The Government is also set to publish its Innovation Strategy next month.