John supports Churches in their Petition to 10 Downing Street, 27 January 2003.
Members of the RSCM, together with others from over 200 choirs, orchestras, and other instrumental groups contributed to a petition of 8,149 signatures against the Government’s plan to impose an “Arts Tax” in the form of licensing charges to churches for hosting secular concerts.
The petition was delivered to 10 Downing Street by:
John Whittingdale OBE MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport)
Baroness Peta Buscombe (Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport in the House of Lords)
Cheryl Gillan MP (Member for Chesham and Amersham)
David Meacock (the petition’s organiser, professional conductor and pianist)
Dr Michael O’Connor (Warden, RSCM)
Neil Hoyle (Chief Executive, Incorporated Society of Musicians)
