Thangam Debbonaire MP: It is vital Brexit does not constrain the reach of musicians

Thangam Debbonaire MP for Bristol West, discusses her successful call for Margot James MP – the Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport – to meet with Musicians’ Union representatives and discuss their concerns over Brexit.

Thangam Debbonaire MP for Bristol West, discusses her successful call for Margot James MP – the Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport – to meet with Musicians’ Union representatives and discuss their concerns over Brexit.

"British musicians have had a huge global influence in almost every genre. I am concerned that our departure from the EU may make it more difficult for British musicians to tour on the continent, which would be disastrous for these performers. It would also harm our economy – music generates £2.5 billion of export revenue for the UK.

My constituency of Bristol West has an impressive history of musical innovation and world-famous acts. It is vital Brexit does not constrain the reach of musicians in the future.

I asked Margot James MP, Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to meet with the Musicians’ Union to discuss their concerns.

And I am delighted to say she agreed to meet them. I am proud to have been a member of the Musicians' Union in my days as a professional musician, and proud to have been supported by them in general elections.

Musicians in my constituency – please get in touch with me and your Musicians' Union rep if you have any concerns or questions about touring the EU after the UK leaves.

Transcript below:

THANGAM: Mr speaker, I appreciate that the minister shares my view that music should be for everyone, but will she agree to meet with representatives of the Musicians’ Union. I declare an entry in the Register of Members’ Interests to that effect . Will she agree to meet with the Musicians’ Union regularly over the course of the next 12 months, to ensure that their concerns about their members’ ability to tour, are dealt with?

MINISTER: I certainly meet representatives of the music industry, including Music UK. I’ve already held a round table with them. I’d be very happy to meet the Musicians’ Union as part of my ongoing work to support the sector."

Reposted with permission from Thangam Debbonaire’s parliamentary blog.

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