All Party Writers Group elects new chair

From the parliamentary All Party Writers Group:

The All Party Writers Group (APWG) is pleased to announce that John Whittingdale MP has been elected as the new Chair of the Group.

The MP for Maldon has taken a keen interest in copyright protection, and supported the Digital
Economy Act as it progressed through Parliament because “We need to send a signal that we take the issue of piracy seriously”. More recently Whittingdale was re-elected as Chairman of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, a position he has held since 2005.

On his successful election to Chair of the All Party Writers Group he stated: “The creative industries form a hugely significant part of the UK economy and will have a major role to play in our efforts to establish a more financially stable future. These industries are built around the talent and hard work of creative individuals and I am therefore delighted to be involved with this group at such an important time for creators”.

To support John Whittingdale in his role Denis MacShane MP remains on the Group as Vice Chair and award winning author, Baroness Ruth Rendell, has taken over the role of Secretary from the new Minister for Culture, Ed Vaizey. Jim Dowd MP takes on the role of Treasurer.