The Who's Roger Daltrey and Sir Cliff Richard are among the artists expected benefit from a change to musicians' copyright law.

The Government yesterday (December 11th) outlined proposals to extend the period of time that musicians earn money from their music to 70 years.

"It's only right that someone who created or contributed to something of real value gets to benefit for the full course of their life," Culture minister Andy Burnham said.

The muted proposal follows extensive campaigning from musicians who argue that the current copyright law, which expires after 50 years, is no longer adequate.

Sir Cliff, Daltrey, U2 and former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney have all lobbied for a change in the law.

At present, Sir Cliff stands to lose the copyright to his early hits next month, while the Beatles' back-catalogue will be accessible from 2013.

Mr Burnham said there was a “moral case” for musicians to be able to earn money from their recordings for their entire life time.

In February this year, The European Union has announced proposals to extend the copyright period for music performers from 50 to 95 years.

(by Jason Gregory)