SNP renew calls for Tory u-turn over touring visas in debate

Monday, 8 February 2021 15:15

The SNP will again urge the UK government to re-think their visa-free work permit approach to UK touring musicians in a debate today (Monday, 8 February).

Ahead of the Committee, the SNP has renewed calls for the UK government to reverse their decision to cut the “long-standing creative ties between Scotland and the European Union”.

MPs have agreed to the debate following an online petition which has, so far, racked up over 280,000 signatures – including musical icons such as Elton John and Liam Gallagher.

It was revealed that during the Brexit negotiations, the EU offered to include visa-free work permits, however, it was rejected by the Tories on the grounds they would have to reciprocate.

Commenting, Pete Wishart MP said:

“Scrapping touring visas was a politically motivated decision by the Tories, driven by a ‘Brexit Britain’ ideology – subsequently cutting the long-standing creative ties between Scotland and the European Union. The UK government must reverse their decision or be responsible for harming Scotland’s creative sector, and the millions of performers this will impact.

“This damaging decision will drive up the costs of artists and musicians touring freely throughout Europe – making it impossible for the vast majority. The SNP will not stand by quietly while the Tories allow this to happen.

“Scotland continues to suffer at the hands of a Westminster government they did not vote for. We have had a bad Brexit deal imposed on us, rubber-stamped by Scotland’s six Tory MPs. The only way our creative sector can truly be protected is with independence.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

‘Brexit red tape for musicians challenged by SNP MP Pete Wishart’ - https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/brexit-red-tape-musicians-challenged-23341096

‘UK rejected offer’ of visa-free tours by musicians in EU, despite blaming Brussels for permit blow’ - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-visa-free-work-musicians-eu-brexit-b1784600.html

‘MPs to debate EU-wide visa-free work permits for musicians’ - https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/mp-debate-eu-visa-free-musician-touring/

https://committees.parliament.uk/work/968/epetition-session-arrangements-for-touring-professionals-and-artists-in-the-eu/news/138987/committee-announces-evidence-session-on-arrangements-for-uk-touring-professionals-and-artists-in-the-eu/