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LIAM'S LEGACY
Liam Payne fans’ call for new law after tragic death set to be debated in Parliament after campaign hits 100k signatures
'The increasing rate of musicians who die before age 35, is concerning'
THE Department for Culture, Media and Sport told The Sun they are ready to talk about how to safeguard artists’ mental health following the death of singer Liam Payne.
The One Direction star passed away last week aged 31 after falling from his hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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It comes as an online petition calling for new legislation dubbed “Liam’s law” is on the brink of hitting 100,000 signatures.
At 100,000 it is eligible to be debated in Parliament, with MP Mike Woods, whose constituency is home to Liam's parents, telling us he is backing a discussion in the House of Commons.
Liam's dad Geoff is currently out in Argentina working around the clock to repatriate his son's body.
A source close to Liam's heartbroken family said: "Geoff's sole focus is to get his boy home - he's spent countless hours with the authorities in Buenos Aires and won't stop until Liam can be brought home."
In a statement to The Sun, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, headed up by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, expressed their condolences to Liam’s friends and family and vowed to continue to do better.
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They said: “Our thoughts are with Liam's family and friends at this difficult time following his tragic death.
“The Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Secretary of State regularly meet with stakeholders in the music industry and artist unions.
“We are very open to discussions, if and when raised, on how artists' mental health can be better safeguarded in future.
“The government is committed to giving mental health the attention and focus it needs by recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers to reduce delays and provide faster treatment.”
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Mr Woods, Conservative MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire added: "The reaction to Liam's tragic death shows how much he was loved by millions around the world, but his passing is yet another reminder that anybody can suffer from poor mental health - no matter how famous or successful they appear to the rest of the world.
"Nothing will take away the terrible loss felt by Liam's family, friends and fans, but if others can be spared that grief because the music industry and wider world become more aware of the need to support artists during difficult times then I hope it might bring some comfort to soften their pain."
Liam's dad Geoff immediately flew to Argentina after learning of Liam's death.
He has been supported by fans of the singer, who have rallied around him in the country.
A source close to his family told The Sun: "Geoff is currently living every parent's worst nightmare.
"He has been so moved by the outpouring of love and the tributes that have come in from across the world.
"Geoff's sole focus is to get his boy home - he's spent countless hours with the authorities in Buenos Aires and won't stop until Liam can be brought home.
"He's been seen a few times in the city out and about but all he is doing is trying to get through the day.
"No one in his situation could be expected to stay locked inside a hotel room.”
Liam had been open about his previous struggles with his mental health and issues with alcohol and substance use.
The kind-hearted singer previously said he hoped speaking candidly about his troubles would help others and remind them “that they are not alone”.
Speaking in 2021 on the Diary Of A CEO podcast, Liam opened up about his struggles.
Liam said: “I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be,' he shared. 'Where is rock bottom for me? You would have never seen it. I'm very good at hiding it. No one would have ever seen it.”
Liam's Law has been trending on X, formerly Twitter, all week as fans team up to change the industry.
Online petition “Liam’s Law” calls for safeguarding of mental health for artists.
The petition reads: “We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry.
“Such a law would necessitate regular mental health check-ups, adequate rest periods, and the presence of mental health professionals on-set, including any ongoing support during their career.
“It will ensure a healthier, safer, and more conducive working environment for artists to cultivate their talents, reducing psychological distress.
“This would also include early interventions to protect and minimise before it's too late. Furthermore, the increasing rate of musicians who die before the age of 35, is concerning. We need to act now!”
Liam shot to fame as a contestant on Simon Cowell’s hit series The X Factor.
At the time the ITV series was at the height of its popularity with an average of 17 million people.
Liam first appeared on The X Factor in 2008 before being sent home at the judges houses stage of the competition.
He returned in 2010 when he was placed in boyband One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.
Despite only coming third, the group went on to dominate the globe.
They completed four sell out world tours - two of which were stadium tours.
By the time they split in 2016, they had sold a staggering 70 million records worldwide.
After the group went on an indefinite hiatus Liam embarked on a solo career - teaming up with Ed Sheeran for his debut single Strip That Down in 2017.
The track was the first of three solo top ten hits.
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He went on to release his debut album, LP1, in December 2019.
Alongside his music, Liam helped raise millions of pounds for charities around the world, including volunteering at his local food bank during the pandemic.
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