Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has penned an open letter to the UK government, urging a 250 million euros investment in music education to counteract years of underfunding. The letter, co-signed by music icons including Elton John, Coldplay, Central Cee, Harry Styles, Stormzy, and Robert Plant, appeals to Labour leader Keir Starmer to prioritise the future of British music.

The Ed Sheeran Foundation, launched in January, highlights five key areas for government support: school music funding, teacher training, grassroots venue support, music apprenticeships, and a more diverse curriculum. The letter, endorsed by hundreds of music industry figures, calls for a cross-departmental task force to prevent music education from being sidelined.

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Addressing Starmer directly, the letter states, "We are writing collectively as artists, civil society, and industry, appealing to your personal belief in music and the promise of opportunity for all under Labour."

The letter emphasises that despite the UK music industry generating 7.6 billion euros annually, access to music education has sharply declined. State schools, which educate 93% of British children, have seen a 21% reduction in music provision. Additionally, 2023 marked the first time in over two decades that no UK artiste appeared in the global top 10 album or singles charts.

Recent speeches at the BRIT Awards further underscored the issue. Rising Star Award winner Myles Smith credited government-backed music programmes for his success and questioned why British music has been neglected for so long. Best British Band winners Ezra Collective also highlighted the importance of youth clubs and school music programmes in nurturing talent.

The movement has garnered widespread support from figures including Annie Lennox, Eric Clapton, Fred Again.., Bring Me The Horizon's Oliver Sykes, Richard Curtis, and Sleaford Mods.

The Ed Sheeran Foundation aims to make high-quality music education accessible, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Sheeran has previously criticised the Conservative government for cutting arts funding in schools, recalling his own efforts to support music programs in his hometown. The letter urges the government to take immediate action to rebuild the foundations of the UK's music legacy before it is too late.