Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of (1) the desirability of establishing a UK Music Export Office, or (2) other methods to promote music exports.
Answered by Baroness Barran - Shadow Minister (Education)
The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK performing arts sector and the rich breadth of artistic talent across the UK.
UK performers and artists are of course still able to tour and perform in the EU, and vice versa. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are working with the creative and cultural sectors to help them get to grips with the changes to systems and processes.
We are looking closely at a range of options to support musicians and performers to resume touring with ease as soon as it is safe to do so, including proposals for an Export Office that could provide further practical help. We will set out next steps in due course.
Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made on establishing a transactional support fund for UK musicians looking to tour the EU.
Answered by Baroness Barran - Shadow Minister (Education)
The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK performing arts sector and the rich breadth of artistic talent across the UK.
UK performers and artists are of course still able to tour and perform in the EU, and vice versa. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are working with the creative and cultural sectors to help them get to grips with the changes to systems and processes.
We are looking closely at a range of options to support musicians and performers to resume touring with ease as soon as it is safe to do so, including proposals for an Export Office that could provide further practical help. We will set out next steps in due course.
Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their COVID-19 guidance for rehearsals by non-professional choirs; when they plan to review this guidance; and whether the guidance has a statutory basis.
Answered by Baroness Barran - Shadow Minister (Education)
Non-professional groups of up to six people can now sing indoors, and can perform or rehearse in groups of up to 30 outdoors. In addition, multiple groups of 30 can now sing outdoors, provided the groups are kept separate throughout the activity, in line with other large events that follow the organised events guidance for local authorities.
We know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year.
The Performing Arts Guidance makes reference to the relevant regulations and provides recommendations for performing arts venues and operators. We expect everyone to comply with the law and the underlying guidance when arranging events or carrying out performing arts related activities.
We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.
Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Barran on 11 March (HL Deb, cols 1799–1800), what steps they have taken following the meeting of the working group on creative and cultural touring.
Answered by Baroness Barran - Shadow Minister (Education)
The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK creative and cultural sectors and the rich breadth of talent across the UK.
We understand the concerns about the new arrangements for touring following the end of the transition period, and we are committed to supporting the sectors as they get to grips with the changes to systems and processes. We are now working urgently across government and in collaboration with the music and wider creative industries, including through the DCMS-led working group, to help address these issues.
The first working group meeting was held on 5 February, and was chaired by the Minister of State for Digital and Culture. Further working group meetings took place on 15 February and 5 March. DCMS is looking at a range of options to ensure we can provide individuals and businesses with access to the right support, at the right time, so that touring in Europe can resume with ease as soon as it is safe to do so
Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Baroness Barran on 11 March (HL Deb, cols 1799–1800), on what dates the working group on creative and cultural touring has met since 5 February.
Answered by Baroness Barran - Shadow Minister (Education)
The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK creative and cultural sectors and the rich breadth of talent across the UK.
We understand the concerns about the new arrangements for touring following the end of the transition period, and we are committed to supporting the sectors as they get to grips with the changes to systems and processes. We are now working urgently across government and in collaboration with the music and wider creative industries, including through the DCMS-led working group, to help address these issues.
The first working group meeting was held on 5 February, and was chaired by the Minister of State for Digital and Culture. Further working group meetings took place on 15 February and 5 March. DCMS is looking at a range of options to ensure we can provide individuals and businesses with access to the right support, at the right time, so that touring in Europe can resume with ease as soon as it is safe to do so