At SXSW London , Ed Sheeran called on the UK live‑music sector to accelerate a ban on secondary ticket resale above face value, a promise the Labour government made in its 2024 election manifesto but has yet to codify. he warned that delayed action fuels a market where bots and touts profit at fans’ expense, threatening the sector’s recent growth.

Sheeran urges faster ban at SXSW London

During a panel at the SXSW London conference, Ed Sheeran said the live‑industry “needs the government to move quicker” on the resale ban, echoing frustration among promoters and fans. He emphasized that the current loophole enables “bad actors” to snatch tickets the moment they go on sale, inflating prices and eroding trust. As the report says, his remarks were aimed at prompting immediate legislative clarity.

Labour's 2024 manifesto promise still pending

The Labour Party pledged in its 2024 election manifesto to outlaw the resale of tickets above face value, but no bill has been tabled to date.. According to the source, the promised legislation remains a draft, leaving promoters like AEG and venues in a regulatory limbo. Without legal teeth, the industry continues to grapple with scalping tools that exploit digital ticketing platforms.

AEG's Hill cites bots and touts as ticket scalpers

Michael Hill, President and CEO of AEG, highlighted the technical arms race that pits ticketing firms against sophisticated bots and professional touts. He noted that these “bad actors” use automated software to purchase large blocks of tickets within seconds, then list them at inflated prices on secondary markets. Hill warned that the rising cost of tickets could deter fans, potentially curbing demand for live events.

Box office growth slows after 2024‑2025 record highs

Despite a surge in box‑office receipts in 2024 and 2025 that briefly eclipsed pre‑pandemic levels, the industry has seen a modest slowdown, according to Hill’s comments. He attributed the dip to higher ticket prices and the lingering threat of resale abuse, which together could dampen the momenum built by streaming‑driven audience expansion.

When will legislation be introduced?

The biggest unanswered question is the timeline for a formal bill. While Labour’s manifesto sets a political intention,the source provides no concrete date for parliamentary debate or enactment.. Moreover, it is unclear whether the government will impose penalties sufficient to deter sophisticated scalping operations.