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Open Letter Calls for Action on Post-Brexit Touring Barriers Ahead of EU-UK Summit

As over 500 UK and EU music organisations back an open letter to political leaders, MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on the growing industry pressure to fix post-Brexit touring barriers, ahead of key EU-UK talks.

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By Dave Webster Published: 14 May 2025 | 6:08 PM Updated: 15 May 2025 | 11:23 AM
EU and UK flags flying in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Palace, London.
The MU, alongside music industry partners and government departments, has played a leading role in preparing for these talks. Photo: Shutterstock.

An open letter addressed to António Costa, President of the European Council; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; and Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has gathered over 500 signatures.

Organised by the MU, UK Music, LIVE (Live music Industry Venues and Entertainment), the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), PEARLE*, and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), the letter reflects a united call from organisations across the UK and EU for renewed cultural collaboration, and urgent action to resolve the challenges facing the music sector.

MU Head of International joined the UK DAG earlier this year

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, both sides established Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) to represent civil society under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The UK DAG includes voices from across many industry sectors, including music. Jon Collins (CEO, LIVE) and Tom Kiehl (CEO, UK Music) are members, and from early 2025 Dave Webster (MU Head of International) has also joined, filling one of eight TUC-nominated seats.

Dave has already been active in the DAG's Mobility Subgroup, which has submitted papers to the government highlighting critical barriers for touring musicians.

Removing barriers for touring artists is a Labour manifesto pledge

Labour’s manifesto also includes a commitment to resolve these touring-related issues for musicians and crew.

In late March, the UK DAG met to submit a comprehensive paper to the government. While the paper covers a wide range of trade and industry concerns, its section on music is particularly positive, advocating for important improvements in touring conditions, stating:

"Music is the world’s most loved and universally spoken language, extending far beyond Europe’s border. This is why the DAG strongly encourages all efforts to facilitate easier travel for touring musicians and other creative artists, along with their technical support staff, across Europe. This should include allowing them to travel visa-free for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.

“Programmes such as Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps remain clear opportunities to the UK which the government should pursue, as rejoining sends a clear message of the importance placed on promoting cultural exchange”.

The Mobility Subgroup’s recommendations also address short and long term work arrangements in the EU, challenges faced by entertainment hauliers due to cabotage restrictions, and the difficulties orchestras face using specialist ‘own account’ vehicles under current regulations.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for EU Relations, attended the March meeting and acknowledged that the current arrangements are not working for the music industry. He reaffirmed that removing barriers for touring artists is a Labour manifesto pledge.

EU-UK ‘Reset’ summit

The first stage of what is being called the ‘Reset’ begins with a summit on 19 May, and marks the beginning of discussions aimed at improving post-Brexit cultural and professional mobility - improvements we so desperately need.

The MU, alongside music industry partners and government departments, has played a leading role in preparing for these talks - contributing data, case studies, and insights gathered since 2020.

The problems are not going to be fixed overnight, and while significant challenges remain and initial talks are expected to prioritise defence and security, there is now political momentum on both sides of the Channel to address the problems facing musicians and crews.

Further meetings are expected to follow, as outcomes from this first summit become clear.

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The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

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EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

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