Important updates on today's DCMS Committee session on Live Music

Update regarding today's viagogo witness

Late yesterday evening, viagogo wrote to the Chair of the DCMS Committee, Damian Collins MP, to say that viagogo's Head of Business Development and Sales, Cristopher Miller, would be unable to give evidence before the Committee at the scheduled oral evidence session on Live music today, citing the legal action the company has decided to undertake against Kilimanjaro Live and the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) investigation into the secondary ticketing industry.

Chair's statement

Damian Collins MP said:

“We do not accept viagogo's arguments for failing to appear today. Mr Miller has no valid reason not to attend and answer our questions on secondary ticketing. The session does not fall within the scope of the House's sub judice resolution, and the CMA has no objection to the session taking place. As is usual we would take great care not to discuss issues to do with the future court case.

“Consumers deserve answers to the huge volume of concerns about secondary ticketing abuse. It is hard not to view this eleventh hour withdrawal cynically. Viagogo's non-attendance is a gross discourtesy, the more so given the company's failure to attend last year. If Mr Miller fails to appear his place will be set out and the questions put, involving much public embarrassment, and the disappointment of consumers and users who expect answers.”

Further information

• Watch Parliament TV: Live music
• Inquiry: Live music
• Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee

Image: iStockphoto