Protesters call for a second referendum
Moving composite motion four, “Brexit and revoking Article 50”, Isabelle Gutierrez, Head of Communications & Government Relations at the MU explained, “It is a terrifying time for musicians and performers.
“Freedom of movement is essential to musicians. At a time when other revenue streams have dried up, touring is essential income. Visas, red tape, carnets would all make touring in the EU more costly and clumsy.
“Most musicians already leave out Switzerland, where you need all that, because it is not cost effective.”
The motion was seconded by the TSSA, and supported by the Royal College of Midwives as well as speakers from the floor.
Full motion text
Congress recognises that the promises that were made during the EU referendum campaign are now distant memories, and that a Tory no-deal Brexit looms on the horizon – with potentially devastating results for workers in the UK.
Congress notes that the Tories have so far miserably failed to negotiate a Brexit deal that protects our jobs and our rights.
Congress notes with concern that Brexit, especially under ‘no deal’, would hit the NHS hard, with new immigration hurdles deterring EU healthcare professionals from coming to the UK to work in the NHS and the deep risk of wholesale privatisation flowing from a trade deal with the Trump White House. Congress fears the agenda of many Tory MPs is to enter into a devastating trade deal with Donald Trump which will reduce our rights and standards and leave our NHS and agriculture vulnerable to predatory US companies.
Congress believes too many Tory MPs are unwilling to defend the Good Friday Agreement which has brought peace and prosperity to Ireland. A hard border will have a devastating impact on the lives of people on either side of it.
Congress condemns the Tory government’s plan to categorise migrant workers earning less than £30k a year as ‘low skilled’ and allow them to stay in the UK for just 12 months. We will not let right-wing politicians and bosses divide our class. We will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with migrants to stop any attacks on them.
Congress will campaign against the damaging right-wing agenda behind Brexit and supports a confirmatory public vote on any deal or no deal with a remain option. Congress will continue campaigning for reforms to help build a Europe for the many through solidarity across borders.
Congress also supports a general election as a matter of urgency so that the British people can elect a government committed to ending austerity and building a new economic settlement that leaves no-one behind.
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