Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the EU’s standard definition of short-term business visitors which explicitly excludes any situation in which the visitor is selling services to the general public during their visit and receiving payment from people in the country they are visiting, what assessment the Government made during the EU-UK negotiations of the (a) viability of that category for touring musicians and (b) compatibility of that category with the requirements of music touring.

During the negotiations, the EU tabled a declaration accompanying their proposals on visa-free travel. The declaration identified which paid activities could be allowed as part of visa-free visits. However, these proposals would not have addressed the creative and cultural sectors’ concerns. The proposals were non-binding, did not include touring but only ‘ad hoc’ performances, did not include technical staff, and did not address work permits. The EU’s proposals were also part of a package on visa-free travel that was not consistent with the UK’s manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders.

During our negotiations with the EU, the UK proposed measures, reflecting the views of the music industry itself, that would have allowed musicians to travel and perform in the UK and the EU more easily, without needing work-permits. This would have delivered an outcome that is closer to the UK’s approach to incoming musicians, artists and entertainers from non-visa national countries, such as EU Member States and the US. Regrettably, these proposals were repeatedly rejected by the EU.

The Government recognises the importance of touring for UK musicians and other creative professionals. A DCMS Working Group with key cultural sector representatives and other key government departments has been established to tackle the range of specific issues with a view to assisting the sector as far as possible to confidently work in the EU.