Welsh Creatives Join Call for Stronger AI Copyright Protections

Some of the UK’s most celebrated artists—including Dua Lipa, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney—are among 400 creatives, media leaders, and business executives calling on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to protect the "lifeblood" of the creative industries. At the heart of the appeal is an urgent demand for greater transparency from tech companies that use copyrighted material to train generative AI models.

Their open letter urges the government to support amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, requiring AI developers to disclose when creative works have been used in machine learning—an issue that has drawn sharp concern across the UK’s artistic community, including Wales, where the creative sector plays a vital role in economic and cultural life.

The issue of AI and copyright has become increasingly contentious, particularly after the Bill passed its third reading in the Commons, with the government resisting changes that would explicitly protect artists and writers. The House of Lords is expected to vote on the matter on Monday, May 12.

The Welsh creative industries—spanning music, theatre, film, and publishing—have long championed intellectual property rights, recognising their importance in safeguarding cultural identity and sustaining livelihoods. Notable figures backing the petition include Doctor Who’s Russell T Davies, Coldplay, Florence Welch, Annie Lennox, and dozens of organisations from across the UK’s arts and media sector.

In their letter, signatories stress:

*"Creative copyright is the lifeblood of the creative industries. It recognises the moral authority we have over our work and provides an income stream for 2.4 million people across the four nations of the United Kingdom. The fight to defend our creative industries has been joined by scores of UK businesses, including those who use and develop AI.

We are not against progress or innovation. The creative industries have always been early adopters of technology. Indeed, many of the world's greatest inventions, from the lightbulb to AI itself, have been a result of UK creative minds grappling with technology.

We will lose an immense growth opportunity if we give our work away at the behest of a handful of powerful overseas tech companies, and with it our future income, the UK's position as a creative powerhouse, and any hope that the technology of daily life will embody the values and laws of the United Kingdom."*

In Wales, where arts organisations have long struggled with funding challenges, protecting intellectual property is more than a matter of principle—it’s crucial for sustainability. The fight has gained traction among cultural leaders who fear that Welsh writers, musicians, and theatre practitioners could see their work absorbed into AI models without consent or compensation.

Baroness Beeban Kidron, who has spearheaded efforts to secure stronger protections, stated:

*"The UK creative industries reflect our national stories, drive tourism, create wealth for the nation, and provide 2.4 million jobs across our four nations. They must not be sacrificed to the interests of a handful of US tech companies.

Nor should we underestimate the role of human creativity in the joy of being human nor the need for common facts to cement our collective experience.

The UK is in a unique position to take its place as a global player in the international AI supply chain, but to grasp that opportunity requires the transparency provided for in my amendments, which are essential to create a vibrant licensing market."*

With Welsh creativity spanning centuries—from the bardic traditions of Eisteddfodau to modern-day digital storytelling—many fear that failing to act on AI’s impact on copyright could weaken an industry that Wales has fought hard to nurture.

A government spokesperson responded to growing concerns, stating:

*"We want our creative industries and AI companies to flourish, which is why we're consulting on a package of measures that we hope will work for both sectors.

We’re clear that no changes will be considered unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators.

It’s vital we take the time to work through the range of responses to our consultation, but equally important that we put in the groundwork now as we consider the next steps.

That is why we have committed to publishing a report and economic impact assessment, exploring the broad range of issues and options on all sides of the debate."*

With the House of Lords set to vote on Monday, the outcome could shape the future of the UK’s creative industries for decades. Welsh artists, writers, and cultural leaders will be watching closely, hoping that their contributions—rooted in history, imagination, and innovation—remain protected in the face of rapid technological change.