News
Sunday 1st August 2021
Thousands of authors and illustrators urge government to ‘Save Our Books’ in open letter.
Press Release
Contact: Ruth Howells - 07827 089058
For immediate release
Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, Bernardine Evaristo, Hilary Mantel, Philip Pullman, Cressida Cowell, David Nicholls, Adam Kay, Reni Eddo-Lodge and Sophie Kinsella are among the 2,661 authors and illustrators who have signed an open letter urging the government to ‘Save our Books’ by maintaining the UK’s strong copyright laws.
The letter, published today in the Sunday Times, is in response to an ongoing government consultation about a potential change to the UK intellectual property framework which could have wide-ranging impacts for UK authors, publishers and the wider books sector.
The letter states ‘Weakening the UK’s copyright laws would impair our ability to earn an income which would have a devastating impact on this country’s vibrant, world-renowned book industry. If writing becomes a profession only accessible to the wealthy, important stories will not be told.’
Stephen Lotinga, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association, said:
“This letter is a clear and urgent call from authors to avoid an outcome that weakens our copyright laws. Britain is a world-leader in publishing and currently exports more books than any other country in the world. The wrong outcome would jeopardise the whole books industry and vandalise the UK’s cultural landscape. It would mean fewer books, by fewer authors, for fewer readers. We urge the government to Save Our Books.”
It has been signed by authors, illustrators and translators representing a wide range of genres, sectors and career stages including Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, Val McDermid, William Boyd, Paula Hawkins, Alice Oseman, India Knight, Hallie Rubenhold, Tim Peake, Naomi Ishiguro, Prue Leith, Carol Ann Duffy, Peter James and Nikesh Shukla.
Ends
Read the full letter with all signatories, sent to The Rt. Hon. Kwasi Kwarteng MP
About Save Our Books
Save Our Books is a campaign by UK authors, literary agents, publishers and other supportive partners to help the government make the right decision on copyright. #SaveOurBooks
https://twitter.com/SaveOurBooksUK
Link to the Intellectual Property Office’s consultation on future exhaustion of intellectual property rights regime: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/uks-future-exhaustion-of-intellectual-property-rights-regime