It’s been a busy few weeks for Brexit watchers. Earlier this month, the Prime Minister and the European Union released the proposed Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration.
Since then, the Government has been defeated in several key votes and the crucial vote on the deal is timetabled for Tuesday 11 December.
Read an updated version of this story here.
Here we take a look at what all this means for musicians.
The Brexit Deal and Political Declaration
The Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration commit to end freedom of movement between the United Kingdom and European Union member states, which is a real problem for lots of our members.
The Political Declaration does say the Government will aim to negotiate temporary entry arrangements for people travelling for business, but there is no guarantee that this will be sufficient for our members’ purposes.
There is nothing in the proposal that guarantees that musicians who regularly visit a variety of EU countries throughout the year to work will be able to continue to do so.
The Musicians’ Union will continue to fight either for freedom of movement or, at the very least, a simple, cheap and admin-light EU touring visa for musicians and performers.
When do we know what’s happening?
The Brexit Deal still has to get through the UK Parliament on Tuesday 11 December, which is looking far from certain.
What happens then?
If it passes in Parliament, and then the EU, there will be no change to your right to work in the EU until at least December 2020.
We will continue to press Government for clarity on your right to work in the EU after that date and a way for musicians to travel relatively freely and easily, for example a touring visa for musicians and performers.
If the Brexit Deal doesn’t pass, that could mean a re-negotiation or a no deal scenario. That would be uncharted territory for everyone.
Our preference here is a re-negotiation, which opens space for freedom of movement to return – something we started lobbying for immediately after the Brexit referendum, and which remains our first preference for musicians.
The Musicians’ Union (MU) will be keeping members updated via Twitter, Facebook and email – so make sure your email is up to date by logging in to My MU.
A People’s Vote
We are proud to support a People’s Vote. Whatever the outcome on Tuesday 11 December, whatever Parliament decides now or in the future, we believe it is important that you have a say on the final outcome.
As a trade union that democracy is in our DNA – our members ask us to negotiate a deal, we do that, and take that deal back to members with a consultative ballot. You can’t undermine democracy with more democracy.
What you can do right now
Lastly, there has been talk of a snap election almost daily since the last one in 2017.
The next election is not due until 2022, but who knows what will happen between now and then. That’s why we encourage everyone to ensure they are registered to vote.
If you are already registered, you must re-register if you have changed name, address or nationality.
Not a musician?
That’s okay – if you love music, you can still show your support.