Musicians’ plea on America visa hike

MUSIC industry bosses are calling on American regulators to scrap a planned increase in touring fees, which will hit British artists.

Visa costs for musicians will more than triple from £375 to £1,317 under plans being considered by US immigration.

But UK Music, which represents the industry, said the proposed changes would be ‘deeply damaging’, leaving America off limits to many UK acts. British rapper Little Simz ( pictured) has cancelled her US tour, blaming the already considerable costs.

And yesterday UK Music boss Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said: ‘We urge the US authorities to think again. We should be doing everything we can to make touring easier, not harder.’