This snapshot taken on 12/05/2010, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.

"Don't Get Captured By Pirates This Christmas" - Howells

Culture Minister Kim Howells today invited the general public to join forces with the Government and the music industry to combat the problem of piracy - which is most acute during the run up to Christmas.

Kim Howells – who took part in a raid to recover illegal cds, as well as video games, dvds and videos in South Wales today - said Government and the industry must make it clear that royalties earned from music sustain the whole industry, not just the most successful artists and record companies.


And he said that the public had a part to play by not buying pirate copies of cds that cost the industry dearly at Christmas, when record sales are at their highest.


Kim Howells plans to meet music industry leaders early in the new year to discuss tackling the problem.


He said:

"Piracy is the enemy of creativity. It doesn't just affect what the papers like to term 'corporate fat cats' or multi-millionaire rock stars. It also impacts on the fledgling musician fighting to make ends meet, the struggling new record company trying to make a name in an already crowded market place, the worker employed in a record plant whose job could be threatened.


"Today I am asking consumers to join forces with the Government and the music industry to drive out piracy. The urgency is greater than ever, with the Internet opening up new avenues of accessing music illegally. I will meet with music industry leaders to discuss how we can best take this forward early in the new year.


"Christmas is when the effects of piracy are most acutely felt. Nearly a quarter of all record sales are in December. The general public has a key role to play at this time of the year. They should ensure they don't get captured by the pirates this Christmas. True fans of music must understand that each time they buy a pirate copy of a cd or down load music illegally, they are putting a nail into the coffin of the industry they love.


"But we can't expect them to change their buying habits if we don't educate them about the problem.  Government and the industry must get across the message that piracy is theft, whatever form it takes.


"And, of course this isn't just a message from the music industry exclusively. Piracy affects the whole of the creative industries, who all have a part to play in driving the pirates out of business."


Recent steps taken by the Government to tackle piracy include:

  • The secondment of Stephen Navin as Government music adviser to act as a link between the Government and the music industry.  Piracy is one of the issues Mr Navin is currently advising ministers on.
  • Supporting the coverage of intellectual property issues in new Citizenship lessons in secondary schools, by issuing a CD Rom to schools to underline the importance of copyright.
  • Support for Dr Vincent Cable's Private Members Bill on copyright which became law on 20 November 2002. This increases the penalties for wilful copyright infringement from a maximum of two years imprisonment with an unlimited fine to a maximum of 10 years imprisonment with an unlimited fine.

Trade and Industry Minister Melanie Johnson said:


"As Christmas approaches, the pirates will be out in force to cheat consumers. 
"Some fakes may seem like a bargain, but they don't come with guarantees.  The person who sells you a fake won't be around to help when it doesn't work.


"As Minister for consumer affairs and copyright policy, I am delighted that enforcers are being handed extra tools to fight this crime. 


"But the message to consumers tempted by apparent bargains is crucial too - if you buy fakes you will only support these criminals and threaten legitimate industry. 
"And always remember, only the genuine article can offer a good deal."


Notes to Editors


1.The creative industries employ nearly two million people and account for almost 8% of Gross Domestic Product.


2. The European Copyright Directive will further strengthen copyright protection. It was particularly drawn up to improve protection across the EU in the digital environment. The Government has recently consulted on the best way of transposing the Directive into UK legislation.

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6052/6277
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200

Back to main

Next >
< Prev

Back to top