Performing Artists and Musicians: Access to the EU

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

Helping touring artists is a manifesto commitment. We continue to engage with the EU and member states to determine how best to improve arrangements for touring across the European continent. We know that there can be additional practical barriers for those at the start of their careers who often have fewer resources, as the noble Lord will be aware. Following his appointment, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a closer, more ambitious relationship with the European Union, based on shared interests and practical co-operation. To be clear, I can reassure the noble Lord that, in his first call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Prime Minister agreed that UK and EU teams should work closely towards a UK-EU summit later this year.

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, in the light of the cancellation of the summit on 22 July—today—and the fact that this matter has been raised by many noble Lords on many occasions, can the Minister give us some reassurance that it will be on the agenda when the EU-UK summit takes place later this year?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I cannot write the agenda before a date is set, but this is a priority for the Government. In March, when Minister Murray co-chaired the first UK-European Commission high-level meeting on culture with Commissioner Micallef, he made sure that this was discussed. It marked a step forward since the UK-EU summit and brought together UK and commission representatives to discuss common priorities. This is one of our manifesto commitments, and it remains a commitment of this Government.