ELSPA welcomes new Culture and Business Ministers

Trade association ELPSA has welcomed the appointment of the Secretaries of State for Business and Culture, who will hold joint responsibility for the games industry.

The association said today that it would look to work closely with the new government on key industry issues. It also noted that the creative industries were cited by both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives in the run up to the general election as providing a central role in creating a more balanced UK economy.

"I would like to congratulate the new head of culture, Jeremy Hunt MP and business, Vince Cable MP, on their appointments to the new government. We recognise the enormous challenges they face and we wish them well in their task," said ELSPA director general Michael Rawlinson.

"Over the last few years ELSPA has worked hard to build relationships with all three major political parties. Consequently all relevant new Ministers are well aware of the needs of the games industry.

"We are therefore well placed to work closely with the government in tackling the issues we face. In particular we look forward to the implementation of consultation into tax breaks along with relevant parts of the Digital Economy Act - including tackling piracy and the establishment of PEGI as the single classification system for videogames in the UK.

"Both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives showed great commitment towards the games industry in the run up the election. We look forward helping turn their vision for our industry into reality," he concluded.