Welcome

To the website of the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group

I'm delighted to be involved in such an important group at such an important time for creators. The issue of file-sharing and the legislation of downloading illegal content is a subject that has been receiving more and more attention of late, and rightly so. The message is a clear one: writers want fair recognition and remuneration for the use of their works. The question is, what are the best ways of dealing with these issues?

This group has been set up to try and ensure that writers can retain their choice in how their works are used, how they are rewarded, and to get their voice heard at the right governmental level to achieve that aim.

It's a big challenge, but one that I'm looking forward to facing head on. I hope that you'll join me.

Janet Anderson MP
 

Digital Economy Bill Briefing note: available to download here

Digital economy briefing note

AGM and Winter Reception

The All Party Writers Group winter reception and AGM was held on Wednesday 2nd December at the House of Commons. The reception also incorporated the presentation of the Educational Writers' Award - Sponsored by the ALCS and administered by the Society of Authors.

The reception, buzzing with writers such as Mavis Cheek, Anthony Beevor, Joanne Harris, Sarah Waters, Tracy Chevalier, Joan Smith and Mal Peet to name but a few, provided ample opportunity for writers to speak to MPs and Lords about their concerns and the current Digital Economy Bill, at the same time as the Lords were actually debating the issue.