YouTube has blocked premium music videos in the UK after it failed to reach a licensing agreement with UK's Performing Right Society.

YouTube calls the move regrettable, and pins the blame on the PRS, for wanting to impose a major rise in fees. Patrick Walker, YouTube's director of video partnerships, claims the PRS wanted to increase fees several fold compared to the previous agreement.

Steve Porter, head of the PRS, is says he is "outraged... shocked and disappointed" by the site's decision. He claims YouTube's move punishes British consumers and songwriters whose interests the PRS is supposed to protect.

He called on YouTube to reexamine its decision urgently.

More here.