EURO-MPS yesterday backed an increase in copyright protection for recording artists from 50 to 70 years.

The European Commission has been pressing for a virtual doubling of copyright protection to give musicians and performers copyright safeguards for 95 years.

But the UK Government is among those seeking a 70-year period before musicians and performers lose the right to their own works – coupled with better guarantees that the continuing royalties go to artists and their families, rather than music companies.

Talks on a final deal broke down last month, prompting the Musicians’ Union to plead for an early deal to clarify the position.

Gordon Brown, as Chancellor, ordered a review of copyright extension proposals, and declared the case to be “weak”.

That view was attacked at the time by major recording stars including Who singer Roger Daltry and veteran hit maker Sir Cliff Richard, who said they were speaking up for thousands of artists who provided entertainment but did not earn fortunes.

An extension to 70 years was backed by a 377-178 vote of MEPs meeting in Strasbourg. They also voted to set up a fund for session musicians to be financed by contributions from producers.