Shadow Culture Secretary says ‘responsibility’ key for advertising

Labour has hailed the advertising business as “a British success story” but warns that it must remain “responsible” as new channels and platforms are developed.

Harriet Harman
Shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman has outlined Labour’s policy on the advertising industry.

Labour Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Harriet Harman MP says: “Advertising is powerful and it must also be responsible. And this applies as new ways of engaging with the public are developed.  

 “Our policy on advertising will be based on sound evidence and developed through close working with industry.”

The statement, ahead of Harman’s appearance at the annual ISBA lunch tomorrow (1 July) is softer in tone than the statements made earlier this year by the shadow minister for media and communications Helen Goodman at the Advertising Association LEAD event.

Goodman caused a stir by calling for further pre-watershed restrictions on gambling advertising. She did praise the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) but added that the party is not “afraid of using legislation” and would “keep that shot in our locker”.

However, Harman says that if Labour come to power it will support the advertising industry “as an important part of the creative industries and important to our wider economy.”

She adds that Labour will work through “current structures”, particularly the ASA, and work across Government departments and in consultation with the industry on issues that affect the advertising business.

She also said that Government would improve the way its works with the advertising industry on Government-purchased advertising.

Tory MP and former Financial Secretary to the Treasury Sajid Javid replaced Maria Miller as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in April.

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