Brown and Cameron back creative sector awards

Standout creatives from the British game industry are to be recognised during a new awards event backed by the three key party leaders.

UK PM Gordon Brown, Tory leader David Cameron and Liberal Democrats head Nick Clegg have each issued messages of support for the new awards event, which celebrates major contributors to the craft of game design, as well as film, music and television.

Brown praised the UK as a country full of talent, though missed his chance to mention video games specifically.

“You see it every time you turn on the TV, when you watch a sports event, a film, or flick through the pages of a fashion magazine,” he said.

“You can hear it in our music. And you can feel it in the energy and dynamism of our communities.

“I am enormously proud of the talented people in this country who, through their creative and entrepreneurial gifts, illuminate their lives and enrich ours.”

His key political opponent Cameron said Britain has led the world in the creative industries.

“We should be proud of that heritage. I welcome the opportunity this event brings to celebrate our many creative successes.”

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg said the event was a chance to “recognise the enormous contribution that creativity makes to our economy, our society and our culture.”

The ceremony, called the British Inspiration Awards, will channel its proceeds to various UK charities.

Nintendo UK managing director David Yarnton will lead an executive committee for the event.

“The UK is the creative capital of the World,” he said. “Whether it’s Damien Hirst or Simon Cowell; Damon Albarn or Ridley Scott, Dame Vivienne Westwood or Jonathan Ive; Sam Houser or Amy Winehouse, this nation has an incredibly rich and colourful heritage of creativity.”

The first BIA night takes place on April 23 in London.

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