Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Stormzy Push for Music Funds

Ed Sheeran, along with more than 600 prominent artists including Harry Styles, Elton John, and Stormzy, has penned an open letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging for a £250 million investment into UK music education. The appeal highlights the dismantling of music education, with a 21% decrease in music provision in state schools over the past years, and emphasizes the need for immediate funding to prevent further decline in grassroots venues and nurture young talent. The music industry, contributing £7.6 billion to the UK economy, faces a future where learning an instrument or performing is a luxury many children cannot afford. The letter, backed by education figures like Philip Hurst, reflects on the broader decline of music services and the importance of equitable access to music education. A government spokesperson acknowledged the need for arts to be accessible to all, not just the privileged. Artists argue that the time for action is now to ensure the sustainability of the UK's music scene.