Music stars slam UK’s ‘shameful’ failure on EU touring guidelines

Dozens of U.Ok. music stars together with Elton John, Ed Sheeran and conductor Simon Rattle say musicians have been “shamefully failed” by the British authorities, which has left them dealing with post-Brexit restrictions on touring within the European Union.
In a letter printed Wednesday within the Times of London, greater than 100 musicians together with Sting, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and Roger Daltrey of The Who, together with the heads of main arts establishments, stated the brand new U.Ok.-EU commerce deal that took impact Jan. 1 has “a gaping hole where the promised free movement for musicians should be.”
Britain’s departure from the EU implies that U.Ok. residents can now not dwell and work freely within the 27-nation bloc. Tourists don’t want visas for stays of as much as 90 days, and a few brief enterprise journeys are additionally allowed. But artists and musicians haven’t been included within the deal.
Britain and the EU disagree about who’s accountable for the omission, every accusing the opposite of rejecting a deal for touring artists.
The new guidelines imply U.Ok. performers should adjust to differing guidelines within the 27 EU nations, negotiating visas for musicians and permits for his or her gear. Many say the prices and pink tape will make it unimaginable for British artists to carry out on the continent, endangering the nation’s standing as a cultural powerhouse.
The musicians’ letter stated the brand new expense and paperwork will make “many tours unviable, especially for young emerging musicians who are already struggling to keep their heads above water owing to the COVID ban on live music.”
Scottish National Party lawmaker Pete Wishart, a former member of rock band Runrig, stated Tuesday within the House of Commons that musicians and artists had been “mere collateral in this government’s obsession in ending freedom of movement” and controlling immigration as soon as it left the EU.

Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage acknowledged the scenario was “incredibly disappointing,” however stated “the door is open” to talks with the EU on a deal for musicians. She resisted calls from the opposition to publish particulars of the proposals made by the U.Ok. throughout negotiations that the bloc allegedly rejected.