Extract from Scottish Parliament: Questions to the Minister for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs - Jan 27

Visa-free Travel to the European Union

To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the United Kingdom Government and the European Union regarding the extension of visa-free travel to the EU to professions that are not currently exempt. (S5O-04950)

Freedom of movement has benefited Scotland’s economy, culture and communities, and the ending of that freedom is already causing difficulties. On 14 January, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture wrote to the UK Minister for Immigration to highlight the impact on those who work in our cultural and creative sectors, and she called on the UK Government to seek extensive reciprocal mobility arrangements with the EU for those who work in those sectors and to seek an urgent meeting.

The Scottish Government and this Parliament have been clear that the UK immigration system does not meet Scotland’s distinct needs. It is deeply regrettable that, on numerous occasions, the UK immigration minister has refused meetings with Scottish Government ministers to discuss Scotland’s unique migration needs.

The minister will be aware of the culture in my constituency, particularly with regard to Celtic Connections which, obviously, has been slightly different this year. Celtic Connections opens its arms to thousands of artists throughout Europe and that arrangement is reciprocal, with artists—musicians, in particular—from Scotland also going to Europe. Has the Scottish Government had any discussions with the UK Government or the EU about getting some form of transition period for the musicians and other people who take part in such fantastic cultural events to be able to travel freely in Europe?

I enjoyed watching Blazin’ Fiddles and Admiral Fallow this weekend as part of this year’s virtual Celtic Connections festival, and I know how important the festival is to Sandra White’s constituency.

In February last year, the Scottish Government hosted an international festivals visa summit in Edinburgh, at which we explored the challenges that festivals face and identified a range of solutions. We put those solutions to the UK Government, but we have not yet received a satisfactory response. As previously mentioned, on 14 January, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture wrote to the UK Minister for Immigration on that issue. As of today, we have not received a reply to that letter. From a Scottish Government perspective, at the least, the UK Government should expand the permitted paid engagement visas from four weeks to six months as well as extending and clarifying the activities that that route permits.

The Scottish Government has provided £10,000 to Arts Infopoint UK, which is a pilot mobility system that will provide support to artists who are coming into the UK, giving them advice on issues such as visa applications, tax and social security. However, this situation is a direct result of a political choice by the UK Government, so it is imperative that the UK Government sorts out a solution with the EU.

I ask for a brief supplementary question from Beatrice Wishart.

As Sandra White has alluded, new complicated arrangements and additional costs make planning harder for established musicians who want to work in Europe—never mind those who are starting out—as well as for international musicians who want to come to Scotland for events such as the Shetland folk festival. Will the Scottish Government produce accessible guidance for musicians who are trying to navigate new processes at home and abroad?

That is a sensible and reasonable suggestion from Beatrice Wishart. I will take it away and write to her regarding the work on that issue.