An SNP MP has secured a debate in the Commons today (Tuesday)
challenging the UK government to U-turn on its politically
motivated decision to scrap performers’ touring visas
post-Brexit.
MP, who toured with world-renowned bands including
Runrig and Big Country, said the UK government had treated
performers “like pawns on a chessboard” during Brexit
negotiations.
Following days of denial by the UK Government, last week it
finally emerged that the proposal to grant UK performers
visa-free tours in the EU was rejected by British negotiators
because the Tories did not want to extend the same courtesy to EU
artists visiting the UK.
SNP MP is now calling on the Secretary of State for Digital,
Culture, Media and Sport, to scrap the new work visa in order for Scotland to
continue its decades of rich, cultural history.
Speaking ahead of the debate, former musician MP said:
“We now know that despite the EU side offering, the UK government
rejected proposals that would have allowed musicians and
performers to travel across the EU without visas.
“I’m calling on to work with his colleagues in the UK Government and
U-turn on this ludicrous decision - one which will not only leave
creatives in the UK drowning in red tape, but will also shut the
door on those European creatives who enrich the cultural tapestry
of these islands.
“Scotland did not vote for this isolationist approach to
policy-making. While the Tories at Westminster treat our creative
sector like pawns on a chessboard, Scotland wants to open its
arms and welcome our European friends and neighbours.
“The UK government has had time to reconsider this decision; to
help performers and musicians, but they have done nothing of the
sort. It’s time for an urgent rethink before these opportunities
for the next generation are unimaginably lost.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-music-tours-visa-free-eu-b1786588.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-visa-free-work-musicians-eu-brexit-b1784600.html
