Music is a major contributor to the UK economy, and it deserves equal attention and support in these ongoing negotiations. Photo: Shutterstock.
On 19 May, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted the first EU-UK Summit in London, marking the beginning of discussions aimed at improving post-Brexit cultural and professional mobility.
The MU welcomes this positive step forward in UK-EU negotiations, particularly in relation to trade and future collaboration. However, we continue to call for more concrete and practical progress as discussions develop.
Following the Summit, the government published its Common Understanding document, outlining the key topics covered and the commitments made by both sides for the future.
The Summit marked the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes work by UK and EU representatives. While we had no prior insight into the agenda, we fully expected defence, security, and the fishing industry to take centre stage. That said, the Common Understanding document offers further detail, and we urge both parties not to overlook the music sector.
Music is a major contributor to the UK economy, and it deserves equal attention and support in these ongoing negotiations.
Highlights of the Common Understanding document for members
We are pleased to see that:
- “The European Commission and the United Kingdom recognise the value of travel and cultural and artistic exchanges, including the activities of touring artists. They will continue their efforts to support travel and cultural exchange”.
- A youth mobility agreement - referred to as the ‘Youth Experience Scheme’ - has been reached. While full details are yet to be confirmed, it appears that young musicians up to the age of 30 will be able to work in the EU for a fixed period. The scheme will include a dedicated visa route, with a set number of places available for participants from both the UK and the EU.
- British nationals will be able to use eGates when travelling to and from the EU. This will hopefully make the journey through airports much quicker, and will come into effect after the introduction of the EU Entry and Exit System, currently scheduled for October 2025.
So that’s the start of what looks like some positive change for our members. The MU will be meeting with officials from the Department for Culture Media and Sport, the Home Office, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Cabinet Office over the next few weeks to discuss next steps, and to hopefully get some flesh on the bones of these commitments.