SNP MP and former Runrig band member, , has again urged the Tory government to u-turn on its
decision to scrap performers’ touring visas post-Brexit – after
over 100 musicians and others condemned the UK government for
failing UK performers and threatening their cultural exchange
with the EU.
Over 100 musicians and other prominent industry figures,
including Sir Elton John, Sting and Judith Weir have signed a
letter – published in The Times today – that accuses the UK
government of “shamefully failing” UK performers with it’s hard
Brexit and says its “negotiating failure” threatens the future of
cultural exchange with the Continent.
MP 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.
Commenting, MP said:
“The decision to leave performers off the list of workers
permitted to enter the UK is another slap in the face for
performers from Scotland and the UK. The pandemic has caused
untold damage to the music and arts industry yet performers have
received little to no support from the UK government.
“A continent is now more or less closed to UK artists and it
seems the Tories could not care less. Touring – particularly in
our neighbouring European countries - means everything to our
artists and massively helps Scotland and the UK’s international
reputation. The nasty Tory party has now put this at risk with
their hard Brexit.
“I am urging the UK government to rethink their callous decision
to exclude performers and musicians from work permits and ensure
these extra visa costs will not be the final curtain call for
many artists after an incredibly tough year where many have
struggled to stay afloat.
“This is yet another in a long list of reasons why Scotland would
be better off as an independent country inside the EU. We cannot
keep waiting on Westminster act.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/more-than-100-music-stars-attack-brexit-deal-687znfk66
