Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Musicians: European Tours

Thursday 11 January 2024 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK government has engaged with EU member states to clarify guidance and improve arrangements for UK musicians touring in Europe.
  • The music export growth scheme is being tripled to 3.2 million over the next two years to support UK musicians touring internationally.
  • Discussions are underway with HMRC to help touring orchestras understand their tax situation in the EEA post-Brexit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question is prompted by concerns about the impact of Brexit on UK musicians' ability to tour in Europe, particularly focusing on visa and permit requirements.

Question

What steps she is taking to support UK musicians seeking to tour in Europe. The vast majority of EU member states offer visa and permit-free routes to touring, but there are still issues that need clarification and improvement.

Answer from Julia Lopez

We have engaged with EU member states to clarify guidance and, where possible, improve arrangements for touring. We are looking at what more we can do through the music export growth scheme, which is being tripled to £3.2 million over the next two years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific issue of visa and permit requirements was not addressed in detail.

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Brexit
Context

The Association of British Orchestras has warned that the removal of tax credits for performances in the European Economic Area due to Brexit could make touring in Europe unviable for orchestras, affecting musicians' ability to tour.

Question

What is the Minister's message to my constituents whose ability to tour in Europe is being sacrificed on the altar of Brexit fundamentalism? The removal of tax credits for performances in the EEA due to Brexit could make touring in Europe unviable for orchestras, affecting many talented musicians.

Answer from Julia Lopez

We are aware of the concerns of touring orchestras. We are facilitating discussions with HMRC so that the orchestras know precisely where they stand on some issues raised. However, we will not be rejoining the EU and therefore cannot have special tax privileges.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about tax credits was acknowledged but without specific commitments to address the issue.

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