Sir Paul McCartney among musicians calling on Boris Johnson to take action over streaming rights

Sir Paul McCartney is one of over 150 musicians who have written to Boris Johnson to encourage actions over streaming rights.

The former Beatles star has signed the letter, which has been backed by industry groups including the Musicians’ Union (MU), along with stars Kate Bush and Coldplay's Chris Martin.

It asks the prime minister to update laws to “put the value of music back where it belongs – in the hands of music makers”.

Watch: Sir Paul McCartney to release cookbook of late wife Linda McCartney's recipes

Read more: Boomtown Festival cancelled blaming lack of government insurance

“Streaming is quickly replacing radio as our main means of music communication,” the letter reads.

“However, the law has not kept up with the pace of technological change and, as a result, performers and songwriters do not enjoy the same protections as they do in radio.

“Today’s musicians receive very little income from their performances – most featured artists receive tiny fractions of a US cent per stream and session musicians receive nothing at all.”

According to the signatories, “only two words need to change in the 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act” to “modernise the law so that today’s performers receive a share of revenues, just like they enjoy in radio”.

The letter also recommends “an immediate Government referral to the Competition and Markets Authority” because of “evidence of multinational corporations wielding extraordinary power” over the marketplace.

Other stars putting their name to it included Boy George, Lily Allen, Rebecca Ferguson, Bob Geldof and Jimmy Page.

The coronavirus pandemic putting a temporary end to live performances had meant increased scrutiny on the streaming model and the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee launching an inquiry into its economics.

Read more: Annie Mac quits BBC Radio 1

Jo Stevens, shadow secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, said: “The current system is broken. It is designed for streaming companies to maximise their profits at the expense of musicians.

“It is significant that some of the UK’s most successful artists are joining calls for reform.

“Labour has long argued that musicians should benefit more from their work, so the Government must listen and take action.”

With additional reporting by PA.

Watch: Taylor Swift breaks The Beatles chart record