Live Comedy Association letter sent to Culutre Secretary

The Live Comedy Association has announced that 47 MPs have signed a letter urging the government to recognise grassroots live comedy in its policy-making.

They include former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith, former Tory Culture Secretary John Whittingdale and Green Party Culture spokesperson Hannah Spencer.

The association says a further 16 MPs have supported the campaign but are unable to sign the letter due to Parliamentary protocol (which is normally because they have not been approached by a constituent).

The letter – which is here – urges Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, pictured, to:

• Recognise grassroots live comedy within creative industries and cultural policy alongside grassroots live music;

• Include the sector in discussions around VAT on tickets, business rates reform and support for freelancers;

• Support independent research into the size, economic contribution and regional distribution of the live comedy sector;

• Explore extending the live music arena levy model to include live comedy;

• Consider undertaking a fan-led review of grassroots live comedy and its long-term sustainability.

Jessica Toomey, chair of the LCA, said: ‘The support we are receiving from politicians from across the political spectrum is fantastic and the timing of the publication of this letter is crucial.  Today MPs return to Westminster after the summer recess and our campaign continues to get grassroots live comedy officially recognised alongside live music. 

‘We publish this letter just as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has ended.  The Fringe began with Edinburgh Comedy Awards producer Nica Burns also calling for live comedy to be recognised by government and ended with Richard Gadd (writer and star of global Netflix show Baby Reindeer) saying, "it’s high time government acknowledges comedy".  We are delighted to receive support from across our sector.’

Published: 1 Sep 2026