Ensure any Brexit deal protects the Touring Industry for Musicians and Crew.

Requirements for multiple work visas, driving permits, customs checks on equipment and merch etc. may make touring Europe financially unviable for smaller artists. It may also affect European artists decision to include the UK on their tours.

The government is working closely with the music industry on the potential impacts of the UK’s exit from the EU. Since the referendum, the government has organised a series of meetings and ministerial roundtables with the cultural and creative industries. These meetings have included valuable input from the UK music industry on the impact of leaving the EU on touring musicians and crews.

The government fully understands that movement between the EU and the UK is key to the success of the UK’s cultural and creative industries, especially for music where touring is the life-blood of the industry. This is reflected in Part I of the Political Declaration, published on 19 October 2019, in which the UK government and the EU recognise the importance of ongoing mobility of people and their objects and equipment for cultural cooperation, to ensure cultural exchanges and music touring can continue. Part I sets a clear framework for cooperation on culture between the UK and EU that is mutually beneficial for the creative and cultural sectors.

In Part II of the Political Declaration, the UK and EU have signalled their intention to negotiate reciprocal arrangements on the mobility of people. This includes visa-free travel for short-term visits and arrangements to allow the temporary entry and stay of people for business purposes in defined areas. Both parties will also look to address social security coordination.

In Part II, the UK and EU have also committed to negotiate the creation of a free trade area. This will combine deep regulatory and customs cooperation, underpinned by provisions ensuring open and fair competition.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Home Office, HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Exiting the European Union are working closely to deliver the commitments made in the Political Declaration. The precise arrangements will be set in further negotiations to come with the EU.

The government is committed to supporting artists perform across the world and in the UK. The government wants to ensure the continued growth of this vital and vibrant sector and to strengthen the UK’s global reputation.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport