Elton John lashes out at the UK government over its AI copyright stance, calling ministers “absolute losers” and vowing legal action to protect creators’ rights.
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| Sir Elton John warns the UK government is “robbing young people” by allowing AI companies to exploit artistic work without consent, as opposition to the policy intensifies. Image Courtesy: BBC |
LONDON, UK — May 18, 2025:
Sir Elton John has fiercely condemned the UK government’s stance on AI copyright exemptions, branding ministers “absolute losers” and accusing them of betraying the country’s creative community. In an exclusive interview with Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the 78-year-old music icon warned that allowing AI companies to mine artists' work without compensation would amount to “thievery on a high scale.” BBC reported this on Sunday.
The controversy follows the government’s decision to reject proposals from the House of Lords that would have forced AI firms to disclose what copyrighted materials they use in training data. These proposals were aimed at ensuring creators maintain control over their intellectual property, but the government chose not to implement them, prompting outrage from artists and rights groups.
Elton John expressed deep frustration, stating that the decision would leave young and emerging artists without the financial or legal means to defend their work against exploitation by powerful tech firms. “They haven’t got the resources to fight big tech,” he said, calling the government’s approach “criminal.”
The House of Lords had recently passed an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill by a 147-vote majority, seeking greater transparency from AI developers. However, the House of Commons rejected the amendment, triggering an ongoing legislative standoff between the two chambers.
Sir Elton, who joined more than 400 British musicians, writers, and artists in signing a letter urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to revise the copyright framework, accused the government of ignoring the overwhelming support for reform. “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, ‘Well the old people like me can afford it.’” He warned that the government is “on course to rob young people of their legacy and their income.”
The veteran singer did not hold back in his criticism of individual ministers either, stating bluntly that Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is “a bit of a moron” and urging Starmer to “wise up.” If the policy is not reversed, Sir Elton said he is prepared to take legal action: “We’ll fight it all the way.”
Playwright James Graham, speaking alongside Sir Elton, echoed the sentiment, accusing ministers of either complacency or actively enabling tech companies to dominate unchecked. “What’s frustrating is the willingness to let Silicon Valley tech bros get it all their own way,” Graham said.
Tom Kiehl, CEO of UK Music, joined the backlash, warning that the country’s creative industries are “on the brink of being sacrificed” to appease U.S.-based technology firms. “The Prime Minister must not sell the next generation down the river,” he told the BBC.
Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, also a signatory to the letter, previously warned that AI poses a real risk of turning the creative industry into a “Wild West” with no regard for copyright protections.
In response, a government spokesperson stated that no changes to copyright law would proceed without assurances they support creators. “We want the UK’s creative industries and AI companies to flourish,” the spokesperson said, adding that a report and economic impact assessment are forthcoming to guide the next steps.
While the consultation remains open, tensions between lawmakers, artists, and the technology sector continue to rise—threatening a legal and cultural showdown that could redefine the balance between innovation and artistic rights in the AI era.