A letter has been sent to PM on behalf of cross-party MPs
demanding “urgent action” over the crisis facing musicians and
crew touring the EU.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music has also revealed
plans to hold a cross-party inquiry into the costly barriers and
delays facing musicians, particularly emerging artists.
Details of the two new initiatives come after Sir Elton John
warned in June that the UK music industry risked losing a
“generation of talent” and branded the situation a “looming
catastrophe” for artists.
In the letter (attached) to , senior Conservative MP
and Chair of the All-Party
Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music highlighted how the PM had
pledged in March to “fix” the problems surrounding touring the
EU.
On behalf of the cross-party APPG, called for a meeting with
the PM to look at ways of overcoming barriers that mean artists
and crew are required to apply for costly and complicated visas
to tour some EU nations and face further transport headaches due
to red tape. (See under notes to editors for examples.)
In the letter, outlines three key areas
where the MPs want to see urgent action:
- The Government to ramp up negotiations with those EU nations
that bar visa-free touring
- More steps to help UK artists touring overseas - such as the
creation of a new Music Export Office
- Minister to explore the idea of forging a new European
agreement exempting cultural tours from immigration and transport
red tape rules
Commenting on the letter, Mr Warburton MP
said:
“Musicians and crew are facing an enormous and grave problem when
it comes to touring the EU that is not going to go away.
“Our cross-party group has written to the Prime Minister to ask
him to take urgent action to clear these visa and travel barriers
that threaten the success of the UK music industry, particularly
emerging artists.
“We need the Government to ramp up negotiations with nations like
Spain where costly visas are still in place and to look for swift
solutions to both the visa and transport issues facing musicians
and crew.”
Former Cabinet Minister and APPG member, Labour MP said:
“This is a very important initiative. There is deep recognition
from all parties in the House of Commons of the importance of
music to the cultural and economic life of the UK, and of the
jeopardy caused by restrictions on UK musicians touring in the
EU.
“Livelihoods and careers are at risk and musicians need action
from Government now. This inquiry is an opportunity to present
Government with an ultimatum that they must sort this out.”
UK Music, the collective voice of the UK Music industry, welcomed
the letter to the PM from the influential group of MPs and their
plans to hold an inquiry.
UK Music Chief Executive said:
“This is a hugely welcome move by MPs from across the political
divide who are as keen as we are to overcome the barriers facing
musicians and crew touring the EU.
“The extra costs and red tape mean some artists are losing work
and some tours, particularly those by emerging musicians, are not
viable at the moment.
“We need urgent Government action to break down the barriers
facing musicians and crew including a transitional support
package of financial aid and further steps to encourage exports.”
The APPG on Music will kick off its inquiry into the barriers
facing musicians touring the EU with its first evidence session
later this month.
The MPs are keen to hear from those working in the music industry
and others impacted by the barriers to touring as part of their
inquiry.
As part of its investigation, the Group is calling for evidence
on the impact the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) - the
UK/EU trade deal signed following the UK’s departure from the EU
- has had on UK music workers and companies looking to tour and
work short-term in EU member states.
Their inquiry will focus in particular on the following areas:
visas and work permits, carnets and CITES (instrument
manufacturing materials), cabotage (transport issues), effect on
the UK music industry, effect on emerging artists, and potential
solutions.
UK Music supports the #LetTheMusicMove campaign,
the artist-led campaign to address some of the issues that
musicians and crew face, including increased costs, logistical
nightmares and added bureaucracy.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Some of the challenges facing UK artists and crew touring the EU
are outlined in the case studies featured on the Let The Music
Move website: https://letthemusicmove.org/
