skip to main content

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament

There continues to be no clarity for musicians in the Brexit deal, which has now been voted on in parliament and passed.

Published: 30 December 2020 | 6:36 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Small placard held up reading
At the very least, in the short-term, touring performers should be included in the list of Independent Professionals.

The Brexit deal has now been voted on in parliament and passed. The MU is grateful to the Labour leader Keir Starmer and a number of other MPs including Rachel Reeves and Tracy Brabin for raising the issue of touring musicians working in the EU, but there remains no clarity for our members.

The MU will fight to have performers included on the list of ‘Independent Professionals’ in the short term, but we will also continue to argue for an overall exemption for touring musicians.

Over 90,000 people have signed the petition calling for a Musicians’ Passport, which has widespread support.

There needs to be an exemption for touring performers

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge explains:

“Our understanding from analysis of the trade agreement, is that the main barriers for musicians in the short term will be work permits, which could vary from territory to territory, and costly carnets for movement of instruments and equipment.

“We have been calling for a reciprocal arrangement; we understand that EU-based performers and crew will want to work here, by including the UK on an international tour for example, and many of our members rely heavily on working in EU countries. It is extremely disappointing that no such arrangement has been agreed.

“In fact, this response suggests that the government fails to understand the issues facing touring musicians. Visas are not the issue, the issue is work permits. At the very least, in the short-term, touring performers should be included in the list of Independent Professionals. In the long term, there needs to be an exemption for touring performers if the UK is going to maintain its strong position as a world-class music nation.

“We will continue to work with the UK Government to try to secure an acceptable arrangement. Given the massive impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the UK music industry, this is another devastating blow.”

Take action now

The Musicians’ Union is calling on the Government and Parliament to back a Musicians' Passport for musicians working in the EU post-Brexit.

If you haven’t already, please sign and share the petition to show your support.

Sign the petition

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

WNO musicians holding up placards to support the Protect WNO campaign.

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Welsh National Opera is set to get the largest share of £3.6 million of new funding to support jobs and touring, following campaigning by Musicians' Union members in the orchestra.

Published: 05 December 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector
A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Read more about Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music
Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

Read more about CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries