Musicians' Union Reacted Against UK's Leaked Decision

On Sunday 10 January, "The Independent Online" broke the news that the UK had ‘turned down’ a visa-free travel offer for UK musicians wishing to tour the Continent post-Brexit. This follows government statements to the contrary, claiming that it was the EU who had refused to discuss this issue when it appears that the UK prioritized ending freedom of movement over a £5.8billion industry’s ability to access one of its most lucrative touring markets. Reacting to the revelations, the Musicians’ Union expressed anger and alarm at the leaked news saying in a statement: “Having been reassured by Ministers for many months that the creative arts, and the music industry in particular, was a priority and would be front-of-mind during discussions with the EU, a source close to the process has revealed that a proposal to exempt performers for 90 days from the cost and burden of work permits was turned down by the UK negotiators.” (jazzwise)

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