Harry Potter star and The Crown actress on why Labour plan is 'critical'

13 June 2024 , 11:12

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Imelda Staunton has given her backing to Keir Starmer's arts plan (Image: Press Association Images)

An actress who portrayed the late Queen in hit Netflix drama The Crown has backed Labour's plan to bolster the film and music industry.

Imelda Staunton wrote in the party's manifesto that Keir Starmer's plan to improve access to the arts and creative industries will be transformative. In a withering endorsement of the Labour plan, the star - whose many film credits also include the Harry Potter franchise - said it is "critical" to address it.

The Labour manifesto vows to ensure that under a Labour Government these will no longer be "the preserve of a privileged few". Ms Staunton, whose film credits also include the Harry Potter franchise, wrote: "I welcome Labour's proposals set out by Keir Starmer to broaden opportunity and make sure all young people have access to the arts.

"Opening up access to creativity in our schools is critical, not just so that our children have a better chance at a career in the arts, but because access is what will fuel growth in the creative industries - one of the most important sectors for the future of the economy - creating good jobs in all corners of the country."

Keir Starmer has vowed to improve access to the arts if he becomes PM (Getty Images)

Labour says its creative industries sector plan will bolster film, music and gaming. The manifesto states: "With Labour, the arts and music will no longer be the preserve of a privileged few. Culture is an essential part of supporting children and young people to develop creativity and find their voice.

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"There is huge potential for growth in the creative industries that benefit every corner of the UK." The Labour plan includes setting up a National Music Education Network - which it describes as a "one-stop shop" giving information on courses and classes for young people.

Labour also vowed to deal with ticket touting. The manifesto states: "Access to music, drama and sport has become difficult and expensive because of ticket touting. Labour will put fans back at the heart of events by introducing new consumer protections on ticket resales."

Mr Starmer's manifesto speech got off to a rocky start when he was confronted by a furious heckler who accused him of pedalling "the same old Tory policies". The woman yelled at the Labour leader as he unveiled the party's election manifesto in Greater Manchester. She told members of the party faithful that young people had been "let down by the Labour Party and this manifesto". And she went on to tell Mr Starmer: "You say you're offering change but it's the same old Tory policies. We need better."

She was holding a sign that said "Youth deserve better" as she lambasted the PM-in-waiting. He struck back: 'We gave up on being a party of protest five years ago - we want to be a party of power.'

Mr Starmer was applauded as security led the woman out of the room. He said: "That's not in the script, but that is part of the change."

It came as Mr Starmer began outlining his vision for the UK if he wins on July 4. He vowed to "turn the page" on years of Tory chaos. Addressing scepticism he said: "I understand after 14 years, for many people the hope has been beaten out of them." In a scathing swipe at Rishi Sunak he said: "I'm running as a candidate to run the country, not a candidate to run the circus."

Dave Burke