Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Kate Bush urge Keir Starmer to protect music against AI ahead of US technology deal

Posted On September 16, 2025September 16, 2025

Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Kate Bush are among the names who have issued a fresh appeal to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

They are looking to protect the creative industries against the threat of artificial intelligence, ahead of a potential technology deal to be made with the US during Donald Trump’s impending state visit. 

In a letter sent to the prime minister seen by The Guardian, over 70 of the most well-known creative forces in the UK, including the likes of Mick Jagger and Annie Lennox, have signed their names to implore Starmer to stand against AI policies which “leave the door wide open for an artist’s life work to be stolen.”

It is widely expected that during the US president’s state visit to the country, which begins on September 17th, a major announcement will be made with regard to a new transatlantic technology deal, includes certain aspects of AI. For his part, Trump is set to be joined by senior figures from US technology firms. 

In light of this development, the signatories said in the letter: “We will not accept this,” before adding, “And we will not let the government forget their election promises to support our creative industries.”

There is major concern among the creative industries that the UK-US deal could further the cause of a proposed copyright law in Britain, which would allow AI firms to train their models based on existing art, such as music, and the creators would only be able to object via a complex opt-out system.

The letter noted that AI companies are supporting the proposal “en masse”, but that it “actively stood in the way” of artists’ human rights, as it is stipulated in the European Convention for Human Rights that “no one shall be deprived of his possessions except in the public interest”.

John and the rest of the signatories said: “The government’s formal position has exhibited a shocking indifference to mass theft, and a complete unwillingness to enforce the existing law.”

A number of the same group of artists, including McCartney and John, previously signed a similar letter to Starmer earlier this year, urging the government to stop the AI proposals.

In response to the latest letter, a UK government spokesperson said: “No decisions have been taken, but our focus is on both supporting rights holders and creatives, while making sure AI models can be trained on high-quality material in the UK.”

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