Brexit hitting a bum note with musicians

MSP pledges to support performers

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford is keen to ensure Brexit doesn’t negatively impact the livelihood of touring musicians and performers in his constituency.

Concerns have been raised that the process of leaving the EU may lead to the introduction of individual member state work permits or visas for musicians working across Europe.

Most professionals rely on touring and travelling to make money and concerts are often organised at short notice.

The Musicians’ Union launched its free movement campaign earlier this year and so far more than 150 MSPs, MPs, Peers and MEPs have signed the pledge to do all they can to support performers. A petition launched in September has also attracted more than 19,000 signatures.

Mr Crawford believes access to the European Single Market is vital to the music and entertainment industry.

He said: “I confirmed my support for professional musicians and performers in my constituency, and will urge the UK Government to ensure that they can continue to be able to travel easily across Europe post- Brexit for touring and performing with minimum administrative burdens.

“It is clear that access to the European Single Market is vital to the majority of industries that operate here in Scotland and this includes music and entertainment.

“Theresa May’s government cannot allow access to the free movement of people, goods, and services to be written off with a hard Brexit approach.”

The creative industries are worth over £ 87 billion in GVA to the UK economy and it is said to be the fastest growing sector of the economy.

And Horace Trubridge, general secretary of the musicians’ union, added: “British musicians have long enjoyed easy access to touring in Europe, as UK venues and festivals have benefited from easy access to European performers.

“We know from touring in the US elsewhere, that visas and other restrictions impose significant costs and administration, and occasionally considerable financial loss when visas aren’t processed in time.

“We are calling on MPs and the government to help secure a deal that will ensure ease of movement for touring and performing post-Brexit.”

Tory Stirling MP Stephen Kerr says they aim to make sure new market opportunities for performing artists are made more accessible once the UK leaves the EU.

He said: “We all want travel to remain straightforward. That applies to EU member states as well as ourselves as it is clearly in everyone’s interest. We will negotiate the best possible deal for people, goods and services while also making sure the many new market opportunities, including those for our performing arts, are made much more accessible.”