The SNP has warned that musicians and performers face a ‘double
hit’ from the UK government if the Tories fail to act on EU
touring visas, on top of three million freelance workers left
without a penny of COVID support.
Despite calls from SNP MPs and musical icons including Liam
Gallagher and Elton John, the UK government has maintained their
stance on the issue of EU touring visas - despite Brussels
offering a solution during Brexit negotiations.
MP, who has passionately debated the subject in the
Commons this week, has toured with world-renowned bands including
Runrig and Big Country. The SNP MP vowed to keep the pressure on
the UK government to secure visa-free travel for performers.
Commenting, MP said:
“The politically motivated decision to scrap touring visas has
generated a huge response across the music industry - and it’s a
double hit on millions of freelance creatives already facing
crippling hardship because the UK Chancellor refuses to offer any
meaningful support to them.
“Ending visa-free travel for musicians and artists cuts
long-enduring creative ties between Scotland and the European
Union. The UK government told the Commons this week that it is
not willing to listen to these cries for help from the industry -
but the SNP will continue the fight.
“The Tory government has shown no compassion for our creative
sector. While three million freelancers have yet to receive a
penny of support from the UK Treasury, pulling up the drawbridge
on our borders will only make this creative crisis worse.
“Scotland has yet again suffered at the hands of a Tory
government we did not vote for, resulting from a dodgy Brexit
deal that Scotland’s six Scottish Tory MPs rubber-stamped. The
best way to protect opportunities for future generations is with
independence.”
ENDS
MP will be available for broadcast interviews - email
andrew.ward@snpmedia.net
Brexit red tape for musicians challenged by SNP MP -
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
