Following the recent UK General Election, several key figures in the marketing industry have responded to the Labour Party’s victory and the implications for the sector under the new government.
Christie Dennehy-Neil, Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs at IAB UK, emphasised the importance of a fresh approach under the new government. “The incoming government represents not only a change but a valuable opportunity to take stock and reassess how to address challenges within the online ecosystem. We’re calling on Labour not to automatically pick up where the Conservatives left off when it comes to making policy decisions about further regulation of digital advertising and to take time to carefully interrogate the evidence and define its priorities.”
Dennehy-Neil highlighted the importance of a balanced regulatory framework that manages consumer harm while supporting the UK’s digital advertising industry. “We’re looking forward to working with the new Government and our members to continue to evolve the regulatory framework in an evidence-based and proportionate way. It’s in everyone’s interests to strike the right balance between managing the risk of consumer harm and supporting the UK’s digital advertising industry – and the wider digital economy that it drives – to thrive.”
ISBA Calls for Clarity on Regulations
Phil Smith, Director General of ISBA, congratulated the Labour Party and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the new government. “ISBA congratulates the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP and the Labour Party on winning the General Election. As the body that represents brand owners advertising in the UK, we look forward to working with the new Government – particularly the Department of Culture, Media and Sport – to help deliver Labour’s mission of kickstarting economic growth across all of the UK’s regions and nations.”
Smith urged the new administration to support the existing self and co-regulation system of advertising, which has been a success story. He also called for the swift passage of Secondary Legislation to clarify new food and drink advertising regulations. “Many brands are already having to plan ad campaigns without the finalised rules and guidance they need. Passing the necessary Secondary Regulations would be an easy, pro-business and pro-growth step for this incoming government to take.”
Advertising Association’s Response to New Appointments
Lisa Hayley-Jones, Director of Policy & Government Affairs at the Advertising Association, welcomed the appointments of Jonathan Reynolds as Secretary of State for Business and Trade and Lisa Nandy as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Hayley-Jones remarked on Reynolds’ appointment: “We look forward to working with him to drive growth across the economy through our sector’s work across the nations and regions of the UK and through further growth in exports of UK advertising and marketing services around the world. The advertising industry can help to create sustainable growth in the UK economy by fostering innovation, competition, job creation, and investment in businesses and markets of all sizes.”
On Nandy’s appointment, she added: “We welcome and congratulate Lisa Nandy on her appointment as Secretary of State for DCMS. The UK advertising industry is an important part of the creative industries, working alongside our colleagues in film, TV, the arts, fashion, gaming, design and more to power our creative culture here in the UK and on the world stage.”
Hayley-Jones emphasised the role of the advertising industry in supporting businesses of all sizes to innovate, compete, create jobs, and secure future investment. “We look forward to working with the Secretary of State to help achieve the new government’s priorities, including increased investment in the creative industries in the regions and greater support for creative education and skills which are critical to our industry’s success.”
The marketing industry in the UK is poised to engage closely with the new Labour government to ensure that the regulatory environment supports growth, innovation, and effective risk management. The collaboration between industry bodies and government will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities in the evolving digital landscape.
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