British musicians and actors are still facing new hurdles when taking shows into the EU, and MPs are now pressing the government to act. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee says the impact of Brexit on touring is hitting livelihoods across the sector, from established performers to “the stars of tomorrow.”
Committee report puts touring losses back in the spotlight
The CMS Committee published its report on Monday, 15 June, after taking evidence from representatives across the performing arts and music sectors as part of its State of Play inquiry. The report highlights the financial strain artists are facing after Brexit, including testimony from Kate Nash that her last EU tour left her with losses of more than £25,000.
The committee also heard that younger and rising acts are being hit especially hard, with concerns about the wider effect on working-class artists and crews. Earlier warnings about the damage to touring musicians were also cited in the report, including 2022 concerns that leaving the European Union was “strangling the next generation of UK talent in the cradle.”
Creative Europe and customs talks are now on the table
The report calls on the UK to re-engage with Creative Europe and its proposed successor, AgoraEU, which is intended to restore artist access to travel funding. It also recommends negotiations on customs barriers, short-term touring, and rules covering the transport of goods within the same country by an operator based in another country.
Committee chair Caroline Dinenage said British musicians and actors are dealing with “a whole range of new hoops to jump through” when touring in the EU. She said the impact is being felt not just by established performers, but also by younger artists who are being denied opportunities to build their careers.
Dinenage said the goal is not to renegotiate Brexit, but to address issues that were not covered in the first place and find new ways to support touring artists. She added that there is strong demand for UK performers across Europe and said the government can do more at home to reduce the burden on touring acts and give them the advice and support they need.
Music industry leaders want a positive response
UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl said this month marks 10 years since the EU referendum and described the last decade as one of uncertainty for the music industry, followed by a deal that “totally forgot the needs of touring musicians, performers and cultural workers.” He praised the CMS Committee for reinforcing the importance of touring the EU and called on the government to respond positively, uphold its manifesto commitments and keep working with the Cultural Exchange Coalition.
Back in January, Manchester band Witch Fever said they were left “broke” after a two-month stretch as a support act on a UK and European tour.
What to watch next: the government’s response to the committee’s recommendations, including whether it engages with Creative Europe, AgoraEU and the proposed talks on customs, short-term touring and transport rules.
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