Live music sector chief accuses Government of imposing ‘lockdown by stealth’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A live music sector chief executive has accused the Government of imposing a “lockdown by stealth” which is pushing the industry “to the edge”. Following an urgent question in the House of Commons, Greg Parmley, chief executive of industry body Live, said: “The current lockdown by stealth is quickly pushing the live music sector to the edge. “The Government must step up to the plate and provide a raft of financial assistance now, if it is to avoid much-loved live music venues and businesses closing up shop for good.” One of London’s award-winning music venues, Union Chapel has warned it faces an “extremely tough future” as all its January events and 50% of its February shows have been cancelled or rescheduled due to the new variant. The last few weeks have thrown us and the live music sector back into financial crisis, and there is now huge concern for the months to come Michael Chandler Union Chapel, which is homed in a Grade I listed chapel in north London, is also a charity that helps people experiencing homelessness and crisis, but said there is a “serious threat” to that work as the funding comes largely from income generated by live music events.