# UK Government Threatens Mandatory Safeguarding Rules for Media Industry Culture Secretary warns entertainment leaders that voluntary standards must improve or face regulation. - **Source:** [BBC News – Top Stories](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b35669ff-d26a-4fee-a5cb-9ecff419f073 ## Government Ultimatum to Industry Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is summoning leaders from broadcasting, publishing, and film sectors to a meeting next week. She intends to demand robust improvements in safeguarding practices following recent high-profile misconduct allegations. If the industry fails to demonstrate significant progress, the government is prepared to mandate participation in independent regulatory bodies. ## Focus on CIISA Participation The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) currently operates on a voluntary basis. Ministers are considering forcing all industry entities to join this body to ensure better protection for whistleblowers. Critics argue that voluntary systems allow problematic individuals to avoid oversight, as those who most need monitoring often choose not to participate. ## Allegations Against David Walliams The government's intervention follows a three-year investigation by the Guardian and ITV News into entertainer David Walliams. Several women have accused him of sexual misconduct and abusing his position of power. Walliams denies all allegations, stating he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law, despite admitting to thoughtless behavior. ## Broader Pattern of Misconduct The urgency of this policy shift is compounded by the recent sentencing of entertainer Russell Brand for rape and sexual assault. These cases have highlighted systemic issues within the creative industries. Reports suggest that concerns regarding inappropriate behavior were previously known by some staff, yet failed to trigger formal institutional responses or protections. ## Crackdown on Legal Silencing Government ministers, including Bridget Phillipson, are calling for stricter limitations on the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Officials argue that these legal contracts are frequently abused to silence women and prevent misconduct from becoming public. The government aims to ensure the legal system cannot be weaponized by powerful individuals to hide abuse. ## Advocacy for Systemic Change Zelda Perkins, a campaigner who previously broke an NDA regarding Harvey Weinstein, supports mandatory membership for industry standards bodies. She describes the current creative sector landscape as a wild west where individuals behave without consequence. Perkins emphasizes that while human behavior is difficult to change, regulatory rules can effectively curb systemic abuse. ## Workplace Culture and Backlash Comedian Kate Smurthwaite noted that concerns regarding Walliams were widely discussed within the industry for years. Women who attempt to report such behavior often face significant backlash, including legal threats or career damage. This culture of fear has historically prevented victims from coming forward, allowing inappropriate conduct to persist unchecked for decades. ## Future Regulatory Outlook The government's next steps depend on the industry's willingness to accept accountability during the upcoming round table. If leaders fail to meet the moment, legislative intervention appears inevitable. This shift signals a move toward stricter oversight in entertainment, aiming to dismantle the power dynamics that have long shielded high-profile figures from scrutiny. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm3egj20v5x4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._