Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Ministers answered questions in
the House of Commons yesterday
(Newport West) (Lab)
Musicians in Newport West and across the UK have been campaigning
alongside leaders in the Musicians’ Union, such as Councillor
Sarah Williams, for a touring visa that will allow them to
showcase British musical prowess. When will the Minister wake up
and fight for the musicians’ passport that people so desperately
want and need?
, Minister for Media, Data and
Digital Infrastructure
I thank the hon. Member for raising the issue of touring. I have
been doing a lot of work with officials and other Departments to
ease some of the challenges that people have had since we left
the EU, and I will continue to work on this issue.
(Manchester, Withington)
(Lab)
I am afraid that the Minister’s answer to my hon. Friend the
Member for Newport West () was far too vague. musicians
and orchestras are facing a touring crisis. We need an EU-wide
cultural touring agreement that includes allowances for cabotage,
carnets and customs rules. That needs to happen now, so what are
Ministers doing to sort the problem as a matter of urgency?
We have been working closely across Government to deal with some
of the cabotage issues. The issues around agreements with member
states are being addressed on a bilateral basis. We have had
great breakthroughs with Spain and are working closely with
Greece, but most people can work in those countries for up to 90
days. I am happy to engage with the hon. Gentleman further on the
issue.
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