Covid-19: Performing Arts

Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury Excerpts

Monday 13th July 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran]

I am happy to take the noble Baroness’s suggestion back to the department.

[Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (LD) [V]]

My Lords, I declare my interests as laid out in the register. Does the Minister accept that, despite the generous and much-appreciated cash injection for the sector announced last week, unless we get the EU-UK deal right post Brexit—and now, post the possibility of an extension—and in particular the right deal on movement of talent and skills, the creative industry faces another crisis and imminently? Are the Government working on a creative freelance visa to maintain access to EU talent and reduce red tape and costs for performers and creatives?

[Baroness Barran]

The noble Baroness is right that travel and working within the EU have been important for freelancers in many artistic disciplines. I remind her that we have been clear that we are not asking for anything special in relation to freelancers, but to replicate some of the deals that have been struck with other countries.