Manifesto: Global Power

In this series, we reflect on the one-year anniversary of Creative UK’s Manifesto for change. ‘Our Creative Future’ was published just months before the UK General Election that would bring about a new Labour Government. 

So much has happened in that time, but one thing has remained constant: Creative UK has been using its voice to shout loudly about the issues we laid out as priority – and those which matter to our members, our partners, the businesses we work with and invest in, and the sector.  

So what, if anything has moved on in the last year? This week, we’ll be posting about each priority area from our Manifesto in turn, taking a deep dive into what we said, why it matters, and what has happened so far. 

Today, we’re focusing on the Future of our Global Power

We said:

Strengthen the UK’s standing on the world stage, by supporting trade and exports

The UK is renowned all over the world as a creative powerhouse. But if we are to continue to make international impact, we need easy movement of people, goods  and services. Our artists need access to tour, and our venues should be attractive to the world’s best talent.  

A Cultural Touring Agreement with the European Union (EU) would support this. The UK and Member States should have a reciprocal freedom of movement agreement for all creatives whose work require short-term travel within the EU.  

The UK Government must also ensure that all bilateral and trade agreements with other countries protect intellectual property rights and cultural diversity.  

Increased support for the British Council would strengthen the UK’s leadership in the 
global creative economy.  

It’s also important that we rejoin vital programmes for the Cultural  and Creative Industries, including Erasmus, Creative Europe (CULTURE and MEDIA strands) and the Eurimages scheme of the Council of Europe.  

Key developments:  

In January 2025, the UK Government announced the formation of a new Soft Power Council, tasked with enhancing the UK’s cultural diplomacy and global influence.  

This marks a welcome recognition of the role the cultural and creative industries play in projecting the UK’s values and reputation abroad.  

However, despite early signals, there has been no movement yet on rejoining Creative Europe, nor meaningful progress on a new cultural touring agreement with the EU. Creative UK continues to call for clear support for international exchange, ease of touring, and the protection of cultural cooperation in trade and visa policy.