Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Touring Musicians: Reciprocal Visa-free Travel

Thursday 11 February 2021 · 4 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

  • The Government proposed adding musicians and technical staff to the list of permitted activities for short-term business visitors under the trade and co-operation agreement, but these proposals were rejected by the EU.
  • We continue to work with the EU Commission and member states to ensure opportunities for reciprocal visa-free travel, and have set up a 1.57 billion cultural recovery fund supporting 75,000 jobs.
  • During negotiations, the EU did not propose measures addressing work permits or support staff travel, leaving major acts to consider basing themselves abroad due to travel restrictions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Nicolson SNP
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises from negotiations with the EU on future relations, specifically concerning reciprocal arrangements that would facilitate easier travel and performance for UK musicians in Europe.

Question

What offer has his Department made to and received from the EU on reciprocal visa-free travel for touring musicians during negotiations on the future relationship with the EU?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

The Government proposed adding musicians and technical staff to the list of permitted activities for short-term business visitors under the trade and co-operation agreement. These proposals were developed following consultation with EU creative industries but were ultimately rejected by the EU.

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Q2 Alison Thewliss SNP
Immigration Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The UK's music industry is worth £5.8 billion annually and supports 200,000 jobs. Recent statements about touring visas not being compatible with Brexit goals have caused frustration among those in the sector.

Question

What is the Minister doing to secure reciprocal visa-free travel for those in our creative industries whose careers and jobs depend on it?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

We continue to work with the EU Commission and member states to ensure opportunities as described. In the meantime, we have set up a £1.57 billion cultural recovery fund currently supporting 75,000 jobs.

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Q3 Angela Crawley SNP
Immigration Business & Trade
Context

Notable musicians such as Radiohead, Elton John, Ronan Keating and Brian Cox have highlighted concerns about visa restrictions affecting UK artists' ability to tour internationally.

Question

How does the Minister feel about the prospect of major acts deciding that they need base themselves abroad because our parochial laws do not allow the movement needed to compete on the global stage?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

During negotiations, the EU did not propose measures addressing work permits or support staff travel. The only way forward is to get the EU to agree to our reasonable proposals and I urge everyone to work with us on this issue.

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Q4 John Nicolson SNP
Scotland Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

New visa costs associated with Brexit are impacting bands and orchestras in the music industry, requiring them to consider hiring crew and equipment from European suppliers.

Question

What hope does the Minister offer those who face losing work because of Brexit?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

DCMS has set up a forum to listen and act on the needs of businesses and artists impacted by travel restrictions or the pandemic. The Scottish Government is also part of this initiative.

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