British Music Stars Urge Keir Starmer to Cap Ticket Resale Prices
A group of British artists including Thom Yorke, Dua Lipa, Chris Martin, Iron Maiden, Johnny Marr, Robert Smith, Sam Fender, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, PJ Harvey, Nick Mason, Mogwai, and New Order have signed an open letter urging Keir Starmer to implement Labour's pledge to cap ticket resale prices on secondary sites.
The letter argues that capping resale prices would curb extortionate practices by touts on platforms such as Viagogo and StubHub, highlighting the combined sales of more than half a billion albums by the signatories.
The government is currently consulting on a resale cap ranging from 0% to 30% above face value, with the results expected within weeks.
Consumer group Which? documented inflated prices on resale platforms, including Oasis Wembley tickets priced at £3,498.85 on StubHub and £4,442 on Viagogo, a Coldplay Wembley ticket at £814.52, and an All Points East festival ticket listed for £114,666 on Viagogo.
Speculative selling is alleged, where touts advertise tickets not yet owned and later source them, with some listings reaching double the original price.
Viagogo and StubHub deny permitting bot use or speculative selling and state they comply with UK regulations.
Banks have warned that capping resale could increase fraud risk on unregulated sites, while supporters argue that removing for-profit resale would help fans spot illegal activity.
The government has promised to clamp down on touts with plans to be revealed soon.
