Now the luvvies take the stage on Brexit: Over 250 'cultural stars' including Benedict Cumberbatch and Paloma Faith sign letter saying leaving EU would make Britain 'less imaginative'
- Artists, actors and musicians have signed warning letter in the Guardian
- Letter says Britain is stronger, more imaginative and creative in Europe
- Among signatories are Paloma Faith, Sam Taylor-Wood and Danny Boyle
- Benedict Cumberbatch, Jude Law and Steve Coogan also join campaign
Artists, actors and musicians including Benedict Cumberbatch and Helena Bonham Carter have signed a 'luvvies' letter' claiming leaving the EU would make Britain ‘less imaginative’.
The warning has been signed by 250 of Britain's celebrities and says if Britain were to leave the European Union it would become ‘an outsider shouting from the wings’.
Among other signatories are the singer Paloma Faith, 50 Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor-Wood, Trainspotting director Danny Boyle, 12 Years a Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor and The Wire actor Dominic West.
David Cameron (left) and Dame Tessa Jowell (right) attempt to recreate the famous cover shot of the Beatles album, Abbey Road, during a visit to the studios in London
Taking action: Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley are among the actors to have signed the letter
Warning: Among the signatories are Helena Bonham Carter and Bill Nighy - their letter claims leaving the EU would make Britain 'less imaginative'
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Actress Jenny Agutter is among high profile figures who say that the EU helps with creativity
Tracey Emin, Steve Coogan, Sir Patrick Stewart, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Eddie Izzard, Bill Nighy, Jenny Agutter and Jessie Ware have also signed.
These so-called 'cultural stars' also warn a Brexit vote could undermine the creative arts, pointing out many of them worked on projects supported by EU money.
Brexit would also undermine ‘collaborating across borders’ they say in a letter to the Guardian.
'From the smallest gallery to the biggest blockbuster, many of us have worked on projects that would never have happened without vital EU funding or by collaborating across borders,' the letter says.
'Britain is not just stronger in Europe, it is more imaginative and more creative, and our global creative success would be severely weakened by walking away.
'From the Bard to Bowie, British creativity inspires and influences the rest of the world,' it says.
'We believe that being part of the EU bolsters Britain's leading role on the world stage.'
'And what would 'out' really mean? Leaving Europe would be a leap into the unknown for millions of people across the UK who work in the creative industries, and for the millions more at home and abroad who benefit from the growth and vibrancy of Britain's cultural sector.'
The letter was organised by Britain Stronger in Europe, the official campaign to persuade voters to remain in the EU.
Luvvies' letter: Star Trek star Sir Patrick Stewart and 12 Years a Slave actor Chiwetel Ejiofor are among the signatories
Music stars: Singers Paloma Faith and Jessie Ware are among a large group of musicians including members of the bands Hot Chip and Editors as well as Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, to sign the letter
It has also been signed by musicians including members of the bands Hot Chip and Editors as well as Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker.
Among the writers who signed it are the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy. Comedian Steve Coogan also signed.
Organisers reportedly hope it will broaden arguments beyond those about the economy which Remain campaigners have focused on so far.
David Cameron will release the findings of a survey by the Creative Industries Federation suggesting 96 per cent of members of the sector want to stay in Europe
The letter is designed to highlight the positive benefits of cultural collaboration with Britain's European neighbours.
But Lord Dobbs, creator of House of Cards, who is campaigning for Brexit said: 'Our creative industries are booming because of the talent that is in Britain's DNA.
'We are world leaders in so many creative areas. From theatre to literature, video games, feature films, fashion, music and so much else, British artists lead the way and are celebrated around the globe. It's a success that has been created by the dedication, hard work and extraordinary.'
Today, David Cameron will release the findings of a survey by the Creative Industries Federation suggesting 96 per cent of members of the sector want to stay in Europe.
John Kampfner, the chief executive of the arts trade body, the Creative Industries Federation, said: 'Our members have sent a clear signal about the importance of EU membership for the continued success of the UK's fastest-growing sector.'
Sir John Sorrell, the federation's chairman, said: 'The UK creative industries are key to the way we are seen by the world and deliver a massive £84.1bn to our economy.
'Our position as a vital European creative hub is a huge part of this success – we benefit from a vast network of talented people, companies and institutions across Europe.'
Mark Pemberton, director of the Association of British Orchestras, said: 'British orchestras need open borders to tour to other European countries, providing a vital source of income at a time of diminishing public investment at home.'
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