The British government has rejected a plea to extend copyright laws for sound recordings to beyond 50 years, prompting the music industry to accuse it of not supporting musicians and artists.

The government would have had to push the European Commission for a change in the law but said such a move did not seem appropriate as it would not benefit the majority of performers and could lead to increased costs.

“The UK is a world-beating source of great music, so it is frustrating that on the issue of copyright term the government has shown scant respect for British artists and the UK recording industry,” John Kennedy, head of the IFPI body which represents the international recording industry, said in a statement.