July 5, 2007 10:38

Tory leader has stab at violent lyrics

David Cameron wants the music industry to crack down

Tory leader David Cameron has asked music industry leaders to crack down on violent music and lyrics.

Cameron was speaking at the annual general meeting of music industry trade body BPI.

The Conservative Party leader said: “Is some music, are some lyrics, are some videos and are some artists, helping to create a culture in which an anti-learning culture, truancy, knives, violence, guns and misogyny are glorified? Yes.

“All of us, and – yes – record company executives - need to understand our responsibility in not promoting a culture of low aspiration or violence. I am calling on you to show leadership, exercise your power responsibly and to use your judgement.”

It's not the first time the aspiring Prime Minister has raised the subject. He discussed violence in music with US rapper Rhymefest earlier this year (pictured).

The comments come a month before the release of 'Put The Knives And Guns Down' – a song co-written by the father of Kiyan Prince, the QPR youth team player who died after being stabbed aged 15 outside his school last year. The song will be released on August 8.

Although Cameron didn’t outline any specific new laws or guidelines in relation to violence in music, he also used his speech to back a campaign to change music copyright laws.

He proposed that copyright on songs should expire after 70 years, as opposed to the current 50-year rule. It would allow artists to earn royalties from songs into their old age.