Government not doing enough to help musicians overcome touring issues, says public

A total of 58% of respondents to UK Music's polls agreed with the statement that 'the government should be doing more to ensure musicians can work abroad post-Brexit' - while only 7% disagreed with the statement. 

The survey showed that younger voters were keenest to see more action from government, with 62% of 18-24 year olds agreeing the statement. 

UK Music is stepping up the pressure on the prime minister and culture secretary Oliver Dowden to reveal how talks with EU countries over removing restrictions are progressing.  

In March, Boris Johnson said that he was working 'flat out' to address the issue and was having 'plenty of conversations' with EU governments, but since then the ISM has published evidence that suggests Johnson is in fact refusing to act in the interests of touring musicians.

UK Music chief executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said: 'For months, the UK music industry has been calling for an urgent solution to the challenges facing British musicians and crews wanting to work and tour in Europe. Now it’s clear that the public is behind us and voters want to see more action too.

'The government has just proved in its trade deal with EEA member states that the visa barriers can be removed when enough political will is applied. Now they must do the same in negotiations with EU member states and ensure British musicians can work and tour in Europe with ease.

'We also need a resolution to so-called "cabotage" rules, which impose restrictions on UK hauliers over the number of stops they can make in the EU, making touring impractical and unviable for many.

'More broadly we need a touring transition fund to mitigate the increased costs and red tape now faced by UK musicians seeking to tour the EU as well as establishing a Government-backed Export Office to help support international touring plans, and promote and back the UK music industry overseas.'

UK Music is calling for:  

• European touring transition fund to mitigate the increased costs and red tape now faced by UK musicians seeking to tour the EU. 

• A resolution to so-called "cabotage" rules, which impose restrictions UK hauliers over the number of stops they can make in the EU. They can only make one initial stop, with just two further stops before they must return to the UK, making touring impractical and unviable for many.

• A government-backed Export Office for the creative industries to help support international touring plans, and promote and support the UK music industry overseas. 

• Expedite negotiations with the EU and individual member states on reducing red tape and bureaucracy holding back UK artists looking to tour Europe.