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The Brits were set up in 1977 to celebrate the British Music Industry, and they are run by the BPI - an organisation funded by, and representing, the biggest record labels in the country.

The BPI also noted that emerging music superpowers in Latin America and South Korea often receive government backing, and urged the UK to protect and support its own music industry.

BPI chief executive Dr Jo Twist acknowledged it was "undoubtedly becoming much harder" for British musicians to cut through in a "hyper-competitive global music economy".

"Despite efforts to match up with a suitable new partner, in what is clearly a tough arts funding environment, we weren’t able to secure one within the timeframe," said Dr Jo Twist, chief executive of the BPI, which organises the award.

The BPI expressed disappointment over the blocking of the grant.