UK musicians condemn the government for not ensuring visa-free touring in European Union

Leading music industry figures Sir Elton John, Roger Waters, Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher and Nicola Benedetti, are among 110 artists who have signed a letter saying performers have been “shamefully failed” by the post-Brexit travel rules.

The letter was organised by the Incorporated Society of Musicians and published in The Times.

The letter says there is a “gaping hole where the promised free movement for musicians should be.”

“This negotiating failure will tip many performers over the edge,” it stated.

According to BBC, the government confirmed it had turned down an EU offer that would have enabled frictionless touring.

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Culture minister Caroline Dinenage said the EU’s “very broad,” offer “would not have been compatible with the government’s manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders”.

“The door is open if the EU is willing to consider the UK’s very sensible proposals to reach an agreement for musicians,” she added.

However, she confirmed that musicians and artists touring the continent would be required to check domestic immigration and visitor rules for each member state in which they intend to tour.

(Edited by Ladiangti Rani)

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