In a new report to the House Of Commons, Chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Damian Collins MP urged the government to address a series of issues facing the UK music industry. Among those who gave evidence for the report were Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons, Tom Gray of Gomez, 1Xtra's DJ Target and rapper ShaoDow.

The report listed issues with ticket touts, business rates for struggling music venues, a lack government investment, and a problem with racial discrimination, specifically mentioning the grime scene.

The report acknowledged the damage done to grime and the UK music scene by Form 696, and acknowledged that institutionalised racism like that continued to this day in different forms. It also gives explicit examples of venues being threatened with having their licenses revoked if they hosted artists performing certain genres.

Chair of the DCMS Committee Damian Collins MP said:

"The UK is witnessing a boom in live music with increasing numbers attending concerts and festivals, giving a boost for the economy, with home-grown talent like Ed Sheeran taking that success across the world.

"Yet for all its vibrancy, away from the headline acts the music industry is also facing stark challenges. Bad experiences with ticket resale platforms are damaging trust in the industry, smaller music venues are closing at an unprecedented rate, and the future of the talent pipeline is at risk.

He went on to say: "When it comes to live performance, it's shocking to hear that grime artists are continuing to face prejudice, which risks hampering the success of one of our most successful musical exports.

"Urgent action is needed if the live music industry is to continue to make a significant contribution to both the economy and cultural life of the country. We also look to the music industry to make sure that enough of the big money generated at the top finds its way down to grassroots level to support emerging talent. It happens with sport, why not music?"

You can read the full report here.