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Simon Hughes MPRepresenting Southwark and Bermondsey since 1983 |
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Archived page: London Bubbble Theatre Company
The Arts Council for England have now confirmed that, in April this year, they propose to end completely their funding for the London Bubble Theatre Company based in Rotherhithe in Simon's constituency.
Immediately on hearing the original proposal for a cut, Simon wrote to the Arts Council boss, asking for the proposal not to be continued with and for a meeting. He later met the Arts Council London Chief Executive and lobbied Arts Council members.
Simon has attended and enjoyed many productions by the London Bubble over the years in Southwark and beyond and believes they have a very strong case as a excellent local organisation to be publicly funded from money for the arts in London.
On 10th January 2008, Simon tabled a motion in the House of Commons in support of the London Bubble (below) and wrote to every other London MP to ask them to support him. At the date of the final decision, there were 24 other MPs who had publicly declared their support. Please look at the London Bubble Website -
http://www.londonbubble.org.uk/. Simon would like to thank all those who have contacted him about this issue.
EDM 675 LONDON BUBBLE THEATRE COMPANY
That this House is concerned by Arts Council England's intention to remove funding from the London Bubble Theatre Company; believes that the London Bubble Theatre Company provides huge benefits to its local community and the London region as a whole; notes that the company attracts 43 per cent. of its participants from the black and minority ethnic community and involves them in cutting edge projects which promote community cohesion and social responsibility; further believes that the withdrawal of funding from the company will have a detrimental effect on the local community; and calls on Arts Council England to reassess its decision to withdraw funding from this highly regarded company which has served the local and wider London community for over 35 years.
Latest News - 1st February 2008
On hearing on 1st February of the decision of the Arts Council England to cut all funding to the London Bubble Theatre Company, Simon Hughes said:
''Like everyone, I have heard with anger and sadness that Arts Council England are not going to continue funding the London Bubble Theatre from April this year. In the letter announcing their decision, the Arts Council does however mention 'that a case for transitional funding could be made'.
''This is very disappointing and sad news, particularly given the widespread support for London Bubble from many children, young people and adults living locally, as well as councillors, London Assembly members, the Mayor of London and the MP.
''I really think we could not have done more to change their minds.
''I have offered to meet again with Sandy Craig, Chair of the London Bubble Trustees, both to discuss the matter of transitional funding and the immediate and longer term funding of the theatre.
''I sincerely hope a way will be found to ensure that this Bubble continues to be a part of this community and is not burst by this decision''.