Pizzas galore!

The Blairs are understood to be returning to the island this week for their summer holiday, although it is not known if they will stay at the star’s villa. Richard gives them free use of the villa, although the prime minister has said he makes a donation to charity in lieu of rent. He has refused to disclose how much, however.

That Blair has apparently taken up Richard’s campaign has led to accusations he may have breached ministerial rules.

The code of conduct, which is policed by the prime minister himself, states: “No minister should accept gifts, hospitality or services from anyone which would, or might appear to, place him or her under an obligation.”

This weekend opposition politicians rounded on Blair. Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP, said: “The prime minister has crippled himself by accepting hospitality from someone with a vested interest in government policy.”

Since 1911, singers and musicians have been able to earn royalties on their work for 50 years in Britain, after which anyone can use or sell the material for free. Songwriters, authors and composers enjoy more generous copyright terms that extend for 70 years after their death.

The issue has become commercially significant as the copyright on valuable works recorded in the rock’n’roll era begins to expire.

The Beatles’ works begin to expire in 2013 and the Rolling Stones’ in 2014. It has been estimated that by 2010, recordings accounting for 20m sales a year will be out of copyright.

In 1998 America increased its copyright term to 95 years after a work’s release.

Consumer groups, however, are opposed to an increase in Britain.

Jill Johnstone, director of policy at the National Consumer Council, said: “Copyright terms are already too long. Consumers would benefit from more competitive markets.”

A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on whether Blair had discussed the matter with Richard but said: “An independent report to look into intellectual property rights including copyright will go to the chancellor and the culture secretary in the autumn.”

Richard could not be contacted.

Bill Latham, his manager, could not say whether he had discussed copyright law with Blair: “They meet as friends from time to time but I am not party to their discussions.”

Additional reporting: Holly Watt

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