House of Lords: Lack of Provision for Creative Professionals Touring in the European Union

The House of Lords European Affairs Committee has urged the UK Government to work with EU Member states on arrangements for touring creative professionals.

A letter from Lord Kinnoull to Elizabeth Truss MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, raises concerns about the impact the lack of provision on the movement of creative professionals is having on the creative industries.

The Committee’s letter reflects on evidence gathered from industry experts in September 2021. The Committee heard compelling evidence that the sector’s Covid recovery is threatened by the restrictions on touring and performing in Europe following Brexit.

Lord Kinnoull wrote, “We remain concerned about the disproportionate effect of the end of free movement on young musicians.” And explains that many musicians are forced out of the profession “because they were no longer able to travel to a county that is a member of the European Union for work at short notice.

The letter ends, “the Committee urges the Government to make full use of the institutional structures established under the TCA, in addition to bilateral negotiations with Member States.”