EU Visas for Touring Musicians Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding a Europe-wide visa-free work permit for touring professionals and artists linked to the petition below: 

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/563294 

I am acutely aware of the importance of the creative industry here in Cornwall and for the UK economy.  Many of my close friends are involved in the industry.

There were claims in an Independent article recently which were very misleading.  

One of the claims was that the government had turned down a bespoke arrangement from the EU to allow musicians to work and perform in member states, but this was not true. The government has said that it always will support ambitious arrangements for performers and artists to be able to work and tour across Europe.  

There was a proposal on the EU’s paid activities which was inextricably linked to their broader proposal on visa-free short stays. This could not be accepted because this broad proposal would have given visa-free access to the UK for any future EU member states and prevented us imposing visas if we deemed it to be necessary.  

The article also said that vital support staff and technicians could have been included if the UK had been willing to enter negotiations.  

The EU showed no appetite to cover support staff or technicians when it was discussed in the context of mode IV. The EU's offer in the negotiations would not have worked for touring musicians: it did not deal with work permits at all and would not have allowed support staff to tour with artists. 

The UK proposed to capture the work done by musicians, artists and entertainers, and their accompanying staff, through the list of permitted activities for short-term business visitors. This would have allowed musicians and support staff to travel and perform in the UK and the EU more easily, without needing work-permits.  

The EU repeatedly refused the proposals the government made on behalf of the UK’s creative arts sector. The government have made clear that our door remains open should the EU change its mind. The government has said that it will endeavour to make it as straightforward as possible for UK artists to travel and work in the EU.  I will do what I can to assist them with this. 

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me. 

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk