UK performers say post-Brexit visa rules spell disaster
PTI
London |
Updated on
February 17, 2021 Leading British actors including Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart and Julie Walters warned the government on Tuesday that the UK culture sector faces irreparable damage unless artists can tour the European Union without visas.
Since Britain made its final split from the EU at the end of 2020, UK citizens can no longer live and work anywhere in the bloc. British artists now have to comply with differing rules in the 27 EU nations, negotiating visas for performers and permits for equipment. Many say the costs and red tape will make it impossible for British artists to perform on the continent, endangering the country’s status as a cultural powerhouse.
LONDON, Feb 17, (AP): Leading British actors including Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart and Julie Walters warned the government on Tuesday that the UK culture sector faces irreparable damage unless artists can tour the European Union without visas. Since Britain made its final split from the EU at the
Brexit news: Guy Verhofstadt condemned as a clown after whinging about UK AGAIN | Politics | News express.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from express.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Deborah Annetts wants a visa waiver to be negotiated (Image: PARLIAMENT.TV)
Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, spelt out the urgency in fixing the deal for artists.
She said touring musicians are thinking in quite desperate terms about whether they can continue in the industry with post-Brexit travel rules.
The sector leader called on Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage negotiate with European capitals to put in place a visa waiver agreement .
Earlier this month Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden accused the EU of being absurd and self-defeating by rejecting an offer made by the UK in trade talks to secure visas for touring artists.
Musicians in ‘quite desperate’ position over post-Brexit travel rules
The 2019 Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA)
Touring musicians are thinking in “quite desperate” terms about whether they can continue in the industry with post-Brexit travel rules, a sector leader has said.
Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, said UK artists are already losing summer bookings due to the challenges faced touring inside the EU.
However, she said the freeze on travel and live performances due to the Covid-19 pandemic offers a “window” in which to resolve the issue.
@DamianHinds asks for primary request from Govt. @ISM music: Secure really straightforward visa-waiver agreement. @ProductionGuild: Simplification of immigration requirements in Europe. @FreelancersMake: Prioritise this successful industry – can t continue with current rules.