(Glasgow North) (SNP): What
steps she is taking to support UK musicians seeking
to tour in Europe.(900895)
The Minister for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries (): We have engaged with EU
member states to clarify guidance and, where possible, improve
arrangements when for EU touring. The vast majority of EU member
states—23 of the 27—offer visa and permit-free routes to touring.
We are always looking at what more we can do, including through
the music export growth scheme, which is being tripled to £3.2
million over the next two years.
: Glasgow North is home to
many talented musicians
some of whom play in Scotland’s world-class orchestras, but the
Association of British Orchestras has warned that the removal of
tax credits for performances in the European economic area is a
direct result of Brexit and could make touring in Europe unviable
for orchestras. What is the Minister’s message to my
constituents, whose ability to tour in Europe is being sacrificed
on the altar of Brexit fundamentalism?
: Unlike the SNP, we actually
listen to what people say in referenda, so I am afraid we will
not be rejoining the EU and therefore we cannot have special tax
privileges on that basis. DCMS is aware of the concerns of
touring orchestras. We are facilitating discussions with His
Majesty’s Revenue and Customs so the orchestras know precisely
where they stand on some of the issues they have raised.
