Pulse.Assent

It is with regret and concern that we, the Leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom take note of President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States of America from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Together, we emphasise our continuing commitment to the JCPoA. This agreement remains important for our shared security. We recall that the JCPoA was unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council in resolution 2231. This resolution remains the binding international legal framework for the resolution of the dispute about the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge all sides to remain committed to its full implementation and to act in a spirit of responsibility.

According to the IAEA, Iran continues to abide by the restrictions set out by the JCPoA, in line with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The world is a safer place as a result. Therefore we, the E3, will remain parties to the JCPoA. Our governments remain committed to ensuring the agreement is upheld, and will work with all the remaining parties to the deal to ensure this remains the case including through ensuring the continuing economic benefits to the Iranian people that are linked to the agreement.

We urge the US to ensure that the structures of the JCPoA can remain intact, and to avoid taking action which obstructs its full implementation by all other parties to the deal. After engaging with the US Administration in a thorough manner over the past months, we call on the US to do everything possible to preserve the gains for nuclear non-proliferation brought about by the JCPoA, by allowing for a continued enforcement of its main elements.

We encourage Iran to show restraint in response to the decision by the US; Iran must continue to meet its own obligations under the deal, cooperating fully and in a timely manner with IAEA inspection requirements. The IAEA must be able to continue to carry out its long-term verification and monitoring programme without restriction or hindrance. In turn, Iran should continue to receive the sanctions relief it is entitled to whilst it remains in compliance with the terms of the deal.

There must be no doubt: Iran’s nuclear program must always remain peaceful and civilian. While taking the JCPOA as a base, we also agree that other major issues of concern need to be addressed. A long-term framework for Iran’s nuclear programme after some of the provisions of the JCPOA expire, after 2025, will have to be defined. Because our commitment to the security of our allies and partners in the region is unwavering, we must also address in a meaningful way shared concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its destabilising regional activities, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We have already started constructive and mutually beneficial discussions on these issues, and the E3 is committed to continuing them with key partners and concerned states across the region.

We and our Foreign Ministers will reach out to all parties to the JCPoA to seek a positive way forward.

The funding, which follows an Industrial Strategy sector deal for the creative industries earlier this year, will mean arts projects and enterprises which support their local communities, in areas including Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Yorkshire, can apply for £150,000 of government funding. This could include projects using theatre to improve child literacy or art workshops for disabled people or the elderly.

This follows the announcement earlier in the year that the government will commit £11 million through the Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund to support three major cultural projects in Blackpool, Bradford and the Lake District. Both funds will help build a legacy for the Great Exhibition of the North: showcasing the very best of art and design in the region.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at No 10 where she welcomed publishers, artists, actors, directors of art galleries and theatres and craftspeople to celebrate the contribution of creative industries to all parts of the UK. To showcase the sector’s success, companies including Warner Bros, bespoke shoe makers Carréducker, furniture designers Angus Ross, denim manufacturer Hiut Denim and Mourne Textiles exhibited their products in Downing Street.

Speaking to the audience at the reception, which included guests from Universal Music, the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, Pinewood Studios and the National Theatre, the Prime Minister praised the creative industries which contribute £92 billion to the UK economy, providing work for more than two million people right across the country.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

Our creative industries are at the heart of what makes Britain great, from the big screen to the local gallery. Our films captivate audiences the world over, our fashion designers surprise and delight, our architects are shaping skylines and cityscapes on every continent. In publishing, in music, in advertising and more, every day our creative industries fly the flag for Britain on the global stage.

Today, I’m delighted to announce a £3 million fund that will provide a new source of finance for creative and cultural organisations across the Northern Powerhouse. Offering a mix of grants and loans, the social investment fund will be open to non-profit, community-based organisations that deliver a positive social impact as part of our modern industrial strategy.

Arts Minister Michael Ellis said:

Britain’s creative industries are an economic and cultural powerhouse that is recognised around the world.

This new fund is another vote of confidence in the sector that will develop future talent, benefit communities and provide a lasting legacy from the Great Exhibition of the North.

The new fund builds on the £150 million invested by government and industry through the ambitious Industrial Strategy deal for the creative industries, spreading success and making the sector fit to face the future.

The power of culture and creative industries to boost economic growth is evident across the country. In Hull nearly 800 jobs have been created and almost £220 million invested in Hull’s tourism and cultural sectors since the city was named UK City of Culture 2017.

Before attending the event, President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Entertainment UK and Ireland Josh Berger said:

Warner Bros. is proud to be a part of Britain’s world-class creative industries sector as a major investor in film, television, video games, theatre, and production facilities. Today’s reception celebrates the growth and innovation of the industry and demonstrates the government’s continued support for the incredible creative talent we have across the UK.

Deborah Carré & James Ducker, Directors of Carréducker said:

We were thrilled to be invited to Number 10 this afternoon and feel it is a validation of our hard work over the last 14 years. We think that small to medium sized businesses like Carréducker are a vital drivers of the creative industries in the UK and their contribution to the economy is proven, both in the domestic and international markets where our products and services are sold

Carréducker and businesses like ours help to give the UK its reputation in the world as a centre of excellence for both design and craft. Creativity is a vital driver of British industry and we are delighted that it is being recognised in this way.