What is the
All Party
Writers Group?

The All Party Writers Group (APWG) was established in November 2007. All party groups enable MPs and Lords from across the political spectrum to keep both government and opposition parties informed on specific policy issues. This system allows for groups to take on board opinions and research from industry experts and parliamentary champions.

The All Party Writers Group’s aims are:

1

To represent the interests of all writers

2

To safeguard their intellectual property rights

3

To ensure they receive a fair level of recognition and reward for their contribution to the economy and society as a whole

Among the issues it has tackled since it was established, the APWG has:

Undertook an inquiry and supplementary inquiry into authors’ earnings. The group has presented findings with policy recommendations to enable the Government to support authors better

Encouraged the extension of the current PLR scheme to include audio-books and e-books in line with the provisions of the Digital Economy Act 2010 and Digital Economy Act 2017 which extended coverage to remote loans of ebooks

Lobbied for the maintenance of PLR payments at current levels

Lobbied the government for greater engagement with the creative workforce

Reviewed government proposals for new copyright exceptions and highlighting concerns where necessary. Notably those relating to private copying and education