Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

EU Travel: Performing Artists

Thursday 4 February 2021 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Fleur Anderson questioned the impact of Brexit on UK music and sports industries, expressing concern over the EU's rejection of proposals for free movement of performers and crew in Europe.
  • Gavin Newlands urged the Secretary of State to prioritize the livelihoods of the music industry and Formula 1 over anti-free movement rhetoric, calling for a return to negotiations with the EU.
  • Daisy Cooper inquired about a specific timeline for resolving issues faced by touring orchestral leaders due to new red tape, with the Secretary of State emphasizing the support provided through the culture recovery fund.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

UK's creative industries face challenges due to Brexit, including issues with touring visas for musicians and support staff.

Question

What steps he is taking to support touring (a) musicians and (b) crew in Europe. I am concerned about the impact of Brexit on UK music and sports industries like Formula 1.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The UK's creative industries are the finest in the world, and this Government are determined to support them. The EU rejected our proposals enabling performers, artists, and support staff to work freely across Europe. I have discussed our approach with leading voices from music including Universal Music's head and Sir Elton John. We are working urgently to develop a plan for easier touring.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to address visa issues for touring musicians and crew were not detailed

How: Discussing General Support, Acknowledging Eu Rejection

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Q2 Gavin Newlands SNP
Brexit
Context

The live music industry faces significant challenges due to the UK Government's refusal to negotiate touring visas with the EU.

Question

This Government's Brexit reality has the live music industry staring into the abyss. Will the Secretary of State assure the music industry, F1 and others that he will put their livelihoods before anti-free movement platitudes and go back to the negotiating table with the EU?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Of course we continue to engage with the EU. The music industry had asked for what we put forward, and it is regrettable that the offer was rejected. We will continue to engage with the music industry on opportunities with individual member states and directly with the Commission.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to return to negotiations was not provided

How: Acknowledging Engagement, Discussing Previous Offers

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Q3 Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Self-employed musicians face bureaucratic hurdles due to Brexit, affecting their ability to tour in the EU.

Question

My constituent is an orchestral leader who tours abroad extensively. She does not have support to navigate new red tape. By what specific date does the Secretary of State hope to fix this situation?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I agree it is absurd and self-defeating. The EU could solve this by matching our unilateral offer to EU nationals. Support has been provided through the culture recovery fund; venues in her constituency have received significant funding.

Not addressed: Specific date for fixing visa issues was not provided

How: Discussing Cultural Support, Acknowledging Bureaucratic Hurdles

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Q4 Owen Thompson SNP
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Touring musicians face barriers due to Brexit, and the onus is on the UK Government to fix this issue.

Question

The Government are very keen to blame the EU for the barriers being put in place for touring musicians. Can he confirm what urgent steps are being taken to ensure that touring musicians do not become collateral damage of Brexit?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I reassure touring musicians and all in the creative industry about their opportunity to tour. We have set up a working group with musicians to find ways of supporting them to continue touring not just in Europe but across the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific urgent steps were not detailed

How: Discussing Support Measures, Acknowledging Career Opportunities

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Q5 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The EU rejected UK's proposals regarding touring visas, and the Government is blamed for lack of support.

Question

I am glad to hear that you are still working with the EU bureaucrats—

Answer from Oliver Dowden

We have put in significant support for the creative industries, including funding for venues like World Heart Beat Music Academy and Exodus Track. We are working with the industry, across Government, and engaging with the Commission and member states to provide further support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps were not detailed

How: Discussing Financial Support, Acknowledging Engagement

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Q6 John Nicolson SNP
Scotland Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Ministers rejected the EU's offer on visas, leading to potential negative impacts on British music industry.

Question

Like petulant weans, Ministers have walked away from negotiations on musicians' and artists' visas. Surely the Secretary of State must now realise that renegotiations are the only option. Going off in a huff is not the answer; this is all far too important.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

We rejected the offer from the European Union as it was not binding, did not cover touring or technical support staff and did not cover work permits. Of course we continue to engage but pulling Scotland out of our Union would be devastating for Scottish musicians.

Not addressed: Commitment to renegotiate visa agreements was not provided

How: Discussing Eu Offer Rejections, Acknowledging Cultural Heritage

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