Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Work Permit-free Travel: Musicians and Performers

Thursday 18 March 2021 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government recognises the importance of international touring for musicians and other performers.
  • Government is working closely with sector representatives and other Departments to address touring issues.
  • Government met with Sir Elton John to discuss the issue of work permit-free travel for musicians.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises due to changes in work permit regulations affecting musicians and performers travelling between the UK and the EU, impacting their ability to tour.

Question

What discussions has the government had with Cabinet colleagues on work permit-free travel for musicians and other performers to and from the EU?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

The Government recognise the importance of international touring for our creative and cultural sectors. The DCMS-led working group on creative and cultural touring, which involves sector representatives and other key Government Departments, is working through the issues to ensure that the sector gets both the clarity and the support it needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about discussions with Cabinet colleagues was not addressed directly.

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Q2 Barbara Keeley Lab
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Musicians are eager to resume tours in Europe but face bureaucratic challenges due to the end of freedom of movement, requiring visa arrangements which hinder their ability to travel and perform.

Question

Can Ministers confirm that they are talking to their EU counterparts about securing visa waivers to allow UK musicians to tour Europe freely when restrictions are lifted?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

We want our cultural and creative professionals to be able to work easily across Europe, in the same way that EU creatives are able to work flexibly in the UK. We are working closely with the sector to consider all available options. I have said right from the start that our door will always be open if the EU is willing to reconsider its position. We met FCDO colleagues only yesterday once again to discuss this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about confirming visa waiver discussions was not directly addressed, focusing instead on general intentions and meetings.

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Q3 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The constituent George Jackson, a conductor, faces bureaucratic challenges in fulfilling last-minute job opportunities in the EU due to new regulations. The issue has garnered support from figures like Sir Elton John.

Question

Can the Minister commit to keeping our creative industries standing rather than letting the sun go down on them by securing work permit-free travel for musicians?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

We understand the strength of feeling on this. The Secretary of State met Sir Elton John recently to discuss the issue. We care passionately about finding a solution and set up the DCMS-led working group on creative and cultural touring, involving representatives from across the sectors and key Government Departments. We are working through all issues and options to help resume touring easily when it is safe.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a commitment was not directly addressed; instead, the Minister emphasized ongoing efforts without committing to work permit-free travel.

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