Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Angela Crawley (Scottish National Party). It was answered by Penny Mordaunt (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 February 2021 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Touring Musicians: Reciprocal Visa-free Travel

Question: What offer his Department (a) made to and (b) received from the EU on reciprocal visa-free travel for touring musicians during negotiations on the future relationship with the EU.

Answer: The Government proposed to the EU that musicians and their technical staff be added to the list of permitted activities for short-term business visitors in the “entry and temporary stay” chapter of the trade and co-operation agreement. That would have allowed musicians and their staff to travel and perform in the EU more easily without needing work permits. The proposals were developed following consultation with the EU’s creative industries, but were rejected by the EU.

Secondary information