Review of Jazz in England

Review of Jazz in England: an Honest Portrait and an Actionable Roadmap – A Green Paper

Report plots ways for jazz to keep swinging

A cross-party Parliamentary focus group has published a review of jazz in England that sets out the way ahead for the music to flourish nationally over the next ten years.

The All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG), which sponsors the prestigious annual Parliamentary Jazz Awards, commissioned the report to shed light on the opportunities and challenges faced by one of the most vibrant components of the English arts scene.

Compiled by musician, radio presenter and former arts administrator Chris Hodgkins and musician and journalist Howard Lawes, the report draws on observations and input from some of the most experienced figures in jazz across England and provides an honest portrait of the jazz ecosystem, highlighting both areas of growth and the need for structural support.

“In recent years, the English jazz scene has grown more dynamic and multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of influences that resonate across generations and backgrounds,” says APPJG chair, Chi Onwurah MP. “But while the spirit of jazz remains vibrant, our musicians, promoters, educators, and venues face unique pressures that have been intensified by economic and cultural shifts, not least the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The report recommends measures including strengthening the music’s support infrastructure and easing the effects of red tape to open up touring possibilities for musicians, both those seeking to work abroad and those from outside the country looking to play to local audiences.

“Like many creative industries, jazz faces considerable challenges including the effects of Brexit and the rapid evolution of technology,” says Chi Onwurah. “This review offers timely insights into these changes, mapping the landscape of jazz from the perspectives of those who live, perform, and support the music. The Review of Jazz in England is a consultative green paper and the APPJG, whilst happy to receive thoughts and ideas, is very keen to see action. With this in mind, we urge the Government to act on the findings within and to engage with the sector to better understand the challenges and opportunities our sector faces”

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, chair of the Department of Culture, Media and Science Select Committee added: “I remain committed to advocating for policies that sustain and enhance the UK’s cultural sector. Jazz is a reflection of our society – diverse, inventive, and resilient. Its future depends on bold and collaborative action, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure its prosperity for generations to come.”

The Review of Jazz in England is available at Review of Jazz in England March 2025

For further information, contact: Chris Hodgkins at admin@appjag.org

23rd March 2025

Notes to  editors

All Party Parliamentary Jazz  Group

The All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) currently has over 73 members from the House of Commons and House of Lords across all political parties. Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry and issues surrounding it, to promote jazz as a musical form and to raise its profile inside and outside Parliament. The Group’s officers as at the Inaugaral Meeting  on 23rd July 2024 are the Chair, Chi Onwurah MP and Deputy Chair, Lord Mann. The Officers are Jo White MP and Lord Crathorne.

The Secretary  is Chris Hodgkins with the assistance of Simon Jennings, Will Riley-Smith and Meg Richards of NorthPoint Strategy and Andrew Lansley. The Secretary  operates on a strictly pro bono basis and no expenses of any kind are paid to the Secretariate. The contact address is: admin@appjag.org

For further details of the Group including recent minutes and please see: https://www.parliament.uk/about/mps-and-lords/members/apg/

Please note this is not an official website [or feed] of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its committees. All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal groups of Members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed in these webpages are those of the group.