Politicians Agree At Summit Talks

The Live UK Summit at London’s Radisson Blu Portman Hotel Oct. 17 threw up the unlikely prospect of politicians from three of the major parties finding something they could agree on.

Liberal Democrat peers Lord Tim Clement Jones and Lord Mike Storey, Tory MP Mike Weatherley and Labour MP Sharon Hodgson all said it’s time something was done about the secondary ticketing market.

Concert promoters Harvey Goldsmith, Rob Hallett and Anton Lockwood were of the same mind, but questions remained over what can be done and how quickly it can be done.

Lord Tim Clement Jones, Jon Webster (MMF CEO), Sharon Hodgson MP, AEG's Rob, panel chairman Doug D'Arcy), Reg Walker (Iridium Consultancy), Harvey Goldsmith, Lord Mike Storey, and Anton Lockwood (DHP Family).

Hodgson, who tried to bring in legislation to regulate the secondary ticketing market in 2011, including capping unauthorised resale profits at 10 percent, said she’s now going to try to suggest it as an amendment to the Consumer Rights Bill.

Since 2011, her cause has been bolstered by the Operation Podium police report, which recommended legislating against the secondary market.

Other discussions focused on how venues can improve the fan experience, the collaborations between charities and festivals, and media coverage of live music.