Margot James MP, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries met with the Musicians’ Union (MU) last week to discuss issues around musicians travelling and working abroad post Brexit.
During the 40-minute meeting, the MU raised the idea of a single visa which would only need to be renewed once a year, and would allow entry to all states. The Minister was very supportive, and is discussing it with the Home Office.
She understood the particular issues facing musicians and instructed her officials to raise some of these points with other relevant departments.
Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire also attended the meeting and expressed her concerns regarding the effect that Brexit might have on the musicians in her constituency in Bristol.
The meeting also covered current inequalities in children’s access to music education with the Minister, alongside worsening conditions for instrumental teachers, and the need to support orchestras and small music venues.
The Minister expressed that she was keen to keep the dialogue open with the MU, and a series of further meetings has already been set up with her officials.
Earlier this year, Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, requested in Parliament that the Minister meet with the MU regularly over the next 12 months to discuss the effects of Brexit on musicians.