Details of the two new initiatives come after Sir Elton John warned in June that the UK music industry risked losing a “generation of talent”. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music has also revealed plans to hold a cross-party inquiry into the costly barriers and delays facing musicians, particularly emerging artists.
Details of the two new initiatives come after Sir Elton John warned in June that the UK music industry risked losing a “generation of talent” and branded the situation a “looming catastrophe” for artists.
In the letter to Boris Johnson, senior Conservative MP David Warburton and Chair of the APPG on Music highlighted how the PM had pledged in March to “fix” the problems surrounding touring the EU.
On behalf of the cross-party APPG, David Warburton called for a meeting with the PM to look at ways of overcoming barriers that mean artists and crew are required to apply for costly and complicated visas to tour some EU nations and face further transport headaches due to red tape.
Key areas where urgent action is needed
In the letter, David Warburton outlines three key areas where the MPs want to see urgent action:
- The Government to ramp up negotiations with those EU nations that bar visa-free touring
- More steps to help UK artists touring overseas – such as the creation of a new Music Export Office
- Minister to explore the idea of forging a new European agreement exempting cultural tours from immigration and transport red tape rules
UK Music – of which the MU is a part – supports the #LetTheMusicMove campaign, the artist-led campaign to address some of the issues that musicians and crew face, including increased costs, logistical nightmares and added bureaucracy. You can read the full story on UK Music’s website.
Have your say
The cross-party group of MPs and Peers who have formed the APPG on Music are encouraging musicians and crew to give their views on the issues they face touring the EU by calling for evidence.
The survey, which is open to everyone – organisations and individuals – will contribute to the inquiry which aims to further discussions with Government about the current challenges and explore possible solutions.
Find out more and complete the survey before Thursday 18 November.