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

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to conclude bilateral agreements with European Union member states on work permit exemptions.

We have always acknowledged that the end of freedom of movement would have consequences for touring musicians and performers. Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in the EU, and we have spoken to every Member State.

We have established that musicians and performers do not require visas or work permits for short-term tours in at least 19 out of 27 Member States without needing visas or work permits. This includes France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and many more.

We are now working with the remaining countries to encourage them to match the UK’s generous arrangements, which allow creative professionals to tour here easily. The Government’s door also remains open if the EU is willing to revisit the proposals made during the negotiations.