Sir Paul McCartney has warned that “the future of music is in danger”, with the legendary Beatle lending his support to a new Parliamentary campaign which is aiming to save UK music venues from closure.

McCartney has given his backing to the UK Music initiative, with senior Labour MP John Spellar introducing a new Planning Bill in the House of Commons today (January 10) in an effort to implement the “Agent of Change” principle into UK law.

If implemented, the principle would force developers to take account of the impact of any new scheme on pre-existing businesses – like music venues – before going ahead with their plans.


Speaking ahead of the launch of the campaign today, McCartney pledged his full support for Spellar’s bill.

“Without the grassroots clubs, pubs and music venues my career could have been very different,” he said. “If we don’t support music at this level, then the future of music in general is in danger.”

The UK Music campaign launched today with a gathering of supporters outside the Houses of Parliament in central London, with the likes of Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Billy Bragg and Tom Watson MP among the prominent figures to show their support for the campaign.