A survey has found that in the 100 days after leaving the EU, the British government has done little to help those working in the music industry.
In March 2021, Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson claimed he would help the industry adapt, but so far it appears there has been no government help for the situation.
The music industry is a sector worth over £5 billion to the economy, and the Incorporated Society of Musicians conducted a study with results that show 94% have been negatively affected by the post-Brexit deal. That 94% includes musicians, tour operators, and manufacturers among others.
One of the biggest negatives is that the deal restricts musicians from touring freely across Europe, but now work visas would be required for many countries. There are 27 different EU migration systems meaning a lot of extra legality for an artist who plays gigs internationally.
Oliver Dowden is culture secretary in the UK and last week he claimed negotiations with EU member states in regards to touring musicians had not yet been dealt with. He has more recently made claims that UK artists will be able to tour without a visa in 17 of the 27 EU countries, but industry affiliates have branded that ‘misleading’.
In a statement, Oliver Dowden claimed: “I can tell you our current analysis is that (in) at least 17 out of the 27 member states some paid touring activities are possible without needing visas or work permits. So that is a much more positive picture than initially appeared to be the case. The next thing we are doing is making sure we effectively communicate that so there is a better understanding of how people can tour anyway in those countries without the need for further change.”
It’s now also much harder for artists from Europe to come and play gigs in the UK, and this is another concern to come from the Brexit deal.
Following what they feel is a ‘lack of progress’, over 300 prominent figures in the music industry have signed an open letter, asking the UK government to come good on the help they promise.
H/T: Mixmag
