Sir Elton John has launched a scathing attack on the UK government, branding ministers “absolute losers” and accusing them of betraying artists by proposing to exempt tech companies from copyright laws.
In a new interview, the music legend said he felt “incredibly betrayed” by the government’s plan to let artificial intelligence firms use artists’ work without paying for it.
He branded the move “theft, thievery on a high scale.”
Sir Elton, who has joined hundreds of creatives in urging ministers to rethink the proposal, warned that if the government pushes ahead, he’ll consider legal action. “We’ll fight it all the way,” he said.
He also criticised Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, saying he “needs to wise up,” and described Technology Secretary Peter Kyle as “a bit of a moron.”
This week, the government dismissed House of Lords proposals that would have required AI companies to disclose the creative material used in developing their systems. As a result, the bill will continue to move between the two Houses until a consensus is reached.
The Lords voted in favour of greater transparency by more than two to one- a result Sir Elton said the government simply ignored.
“It’s criminal,” he said. “I feel incredibly betrayed. The House of Lords did a vote, and it was more than two to one in our favour, the government just looked at it as if to say, ‘hmmm well, the old people… like me can afford it.’”
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He warned that younger artists would suffer the most if protections weren’t strengthened: “The danger is, for young artists, they haven’t got the resources… to fight big tech.”
The singer said the proposed rules could “rob young people of their legacy and their income,” and called the government’s actions “a criminal offence, I think” during the interview on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on BBC One
Playwright James Graham, appearing alongside Sir Elton, echoed the concerns.
“I know they [ministers] do understand the value of creativity,” he said.
“But what’s frustrating is either the complacency, or the willingness to let Silicon Valley tech bros get it all their own way.”
In response, a government spokesperson said they want both the UK’s creative industries and AI sector to “flourish,” and confirmed a consultation is underway.
The spokesperson said it was “vital” the government worked through the responses, adding that a report and economic impact assessment will be published “to explore the broad range of issues and options on all sides of the debate.”
However, Sir Elton made it clear that unless the government changes course, he and others will not back down.
