British publishing can still lead the world after Brexit | Letters
UK publishing is world leading and a cornerstone of Britain's cultural and economic influence. The books and journals our authors write have helped shape thoughts and ideas the world over for hundreds of years. Together our industry generates up to 7.8bn for the UK economy and supports more than 70,000 jobs. As Britain leaves the EU and looks to build new trading relationships with the world, negotiations in Brussels and beyond offer a unique chance to ensure the future success of one of Britain's most important exports. The government has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make sure that the outcomes of any negotiations enable the UK to retain its place as the world's publisher.
Supporting our global reach, encouraging new creative and academic works and leading in the digital age will be crucial. We must ensure that the new thinkers and creators of our time can continue to successfully publish their work, sharing ideas and disseminating information that enrich the lives of communities across the world. This week we launched our blueprint for UK publishing at the London Book Fair, which is an exemplar of the global, internationalist and outward-facing economy we should aspire to. It outlines our priorities for government, showing how we can sustain and strengthen the UK publishing sector for many years to come. The continuing success of our industry matters not just to authors, illustrators and publishers, but to the UK's influence around the world. Publishing is inextricably bound in our country's history and its values. Let's make sure it continues to play that role in its future.
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