The MP for Exeter has praised the city's thriving arts scene and award-winning museum, as illustrations of the need to keep funding creative pursuits and culture.
Ben Bradshaw was speaking during a Commons debate in advance of the government's Comprehensive Spending Review.
He urged ministers to recognise the economic importance of arts and culture rather than dismissing them as fluffy luxuries.
Mr Bradshaw described how investment in the RAMM museum had raised its profile, secured top-level exhibitions and attracted many more visitors.. and went on to talk of Exeter's diverse cultural enterprises
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