The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK performing arts sector and the rich breadth of artistic talent across the UK.

UK performers and artists are of course still able to tour and perform in the EU, and vice versa. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are working with the creative and cultural sectors to help them get to grips with the changes to systems and processes.

We are looking closely at a range of options to support musicians and performers to resume touring with ease as soon as it is safe to do so, including proposals for an Export Office that could provide further practical help. We will set out next steps in due course.

The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK performing arts sector and the rich breadth of artistic talent across the UK.

UK performers and artists are of course still able to tour and perform in the EU, and vice versa. However, we understand the concerns about the new arrangements and we are working with the creative and cultural sectors to help them get to grips with the changes to systems and processes.

We are looking closely at a range of options to support musicians and performers to resume touring with ease as soon as it is safe to do so, including proposals for an Export Office that could provide further practical help. We will set out next steps in due course.

Non-professional groups of up to six people can now sing indoors, and can perform or rehearse in groups of up to 30 outdoors. In addition, multiple groups of 30 can now sing outdoors, provided the groups are kept separate throughout the activity, in line with other large events that follow the organised events guidance for local authorities.

We know that the restrictions on singing are frustrating to large numbers of amateur choirs and performance groups across the country and that many people have made sacrifices in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS over the last year.

The Performing Arts Guidance makes reference to the relevant regulations and provides recommendations for performing arts venues and operators. We expect everyone to comply with the law and the underlying guidance when arranging events or carrying out performing arts related activities.

We will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Further detail on step 4 will be set out as soon as possible.

The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK creative and cultural sectors and the rich breadth of talent across the UK.

We understand the concerns about the new arrangements for touring following the end of the transition period, and we are committed to supporting the sectors as they get to grips with the changes to systems and processes. We are now working urgently across government and in collaboration with the music and wider creative industries, including through the DCMS-led working group, to help address these issues.

The first working group meeting was held on 5 February, and was chaired by the Minister of State for Digital and Culture. Further working group meetings took place on 15 February and 5 March. DCMS is looking at a range of options to ensure we can provide individuals and businesses with access to the right support, at the right time, so that touring in Europe can resume with ease as soon as it is safe to do so

The Government recognises the world-leading position of the UK creative and cultural sectors and the rich breadth of talent across the UK.

We understand the concerns about the new arrangements for touring following the end of the transition period, and we are committed to supporting the sectors as they get to grips with the changes to systems and processes. We are now working urgently across government and in collaboration with the music and wider creative industries, including through the DCMS-led working group, to help address these issues.

The first working group meeting was held on 5 February, and was chaired by the Minister of State for Digital and Culture. Further working group meetings took place on 15 February and 5 March. DCMS is looking at a range of options to ensure we can provide individuals and businesses with access to the right support, at the right time, so that touring in Europe can resume with ease as soon as it is safe to do so

The majority of Government funding for arts organisations and individuals is provided through our arm’s length body Arts Council England (ACE). From the funding received ACE provides grants to over 800 National Portfolio organisations (NPO’s) and funds 30 Creative People and Places projects across the UK. ACE operates independently of Government, which protects both ACE and DCMS from questions of any political involvement in arts funding decisions.

During the Covid 19 pandemic ACE will be relaxing its funding conditions for National Portfolio Organisations and Creative People and Places projects where necessary, and are currently talking to each of them about how this will work. Grant conditions will also be relaxed on existing National Lottery Project Grants where necessary, and ACE will be providing more information on its website.

These measures, in conjunction with the initiatives announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support businesses and organisations that have been impacted by the pandemic, such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of VAT payments for the next 3 months, will provide organisations with more financial support during this period of uncertainty.

Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional measures to support businesses and organisations that have been impacted by the pandemic.

This includes the Government stepping in to help pay people’s wages – a scheme which is one of the most generous of any in the world – paying grants to support as many jobs as necessary. Any employer in the country who promises to retain their staff, can apply for a grant to cover most of the cost of paying people’s wages. Government grants will cover 80 per cent of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month, with this limit set well above the median income. The cost of wages will be backdated to 1st March and will be open for at least three months. The Government will consider extending the scheme for longer if necessary.

We are also deferring the next three months of VAT, a direct injection of £33 billion of cash to employers which means no business will pay any VAT in March, April or May; and they will have until the end of the financial year to repay those bills.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will now be interest free for twelve months, an extension from the initial announcement of six months. We have already introduced and announced an extension to the Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which is for small and medium-sized businesses. On Tuesday, the Chancellor expanded the amount that can be borrowed from £1.2 million to £5 million.

The then Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, Michael Ellis MP, had a useful bilateral meeting with his Gambian counterpart, Minister Hamat Bah, in the margins of a meeting of Commonwealth Ministers during the Edinburgh International Culture Summit last summer. They discussed a range of matters concerning the importance of tourism to the economy and future prosperity of The Gambia, and to the wider Commonwealth. The Government remains willing to explore all avenues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including with the Commonwealth institutions and UNESCO, to support the development of sustainable tourism in The Gambia, and more widely across Africa.

I welcome the Noble Lord’s recent meeting with President Barrow, and the efforts of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to strengthen democratic institutions in The Gambia and across the Commonwealth.