Dear all,

In response to the suggestion that UK citizens can make suggestions about removal or amendment to existing UK laws, I have submitted the following onto the HMG - Your Freedom website. 

http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/cutting-business-and-third-sector-regulations/amend-uk-implementation-of-eu-rental-and-lending-directive-92-100-eec/idea-view

My interest in this is a personal deriving from my historical involvements with PAMRA and performer and studio producer rights.  Although I have not claimed that my view is representing the APRS, the MPG or any organisation, there is a good reason for APRS (and MPG) members to support such a revision in the UK law.  There needs to be consistent and interoperable rights management structures throughout the European music market and this regulation has impeded UK performers exercise their rights with the same weight as their European colleagues.  A simple change to statutory instrument would shift the entire horizon.

I don't know whether this government initiative will respond to such approaches but there may be an opportunity to get these issues on the table again.  If you see any virtue in the idea please log-on to the site and take it from there - and please pass this request on to anyone who you think might support it so that might show their approval in the 'votes' section.

I think it is important not to offer blame or comment in a recriminatory way beyond the key,  general point.  The key point is UK government was persuaded to enact  a travesty of implementation of an EU Directive which should be amended to put performers and producers on an equal footing providing a revised, joint right against the user for both parties such that the currently untenable governance structure at PPL can be re-geared.

I am conscious that this view may not endear me to those who have the labels' interests at heart and I am happy for you to repudiate any assumed connection with your organisational policies, however, I also believe, that whilst it may be an uncomfortable view, it is worthy of direct support from both the APRS and MPG.

I hope you can support this idea by voting and commenting on the government site.

Best wishes,

Peter