EU-UK Summit: Visa Waiver Agreement

Baroness Winterton of Doncaster Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank the noble Earl for his continued interest and for putting us all under pressure on this important issue. I emphasise that supporting touring artists was a manifesto commitment for the Government a year ago. As such, it is a priority for the Government. We remain in constructive dialogue with the EU on tackling the challenges facing cultural and creative professionals and their support staff when touring in the EU, along with many other issues. It is a very important date in the diary, and we will provide details of the agenda in due course.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, as part of our inquiry into the EU-UK reset, the European Affairs Committee of this House took evidence from the Independent Society of Musicians recently and was told that, since the Brexit agreement, there has been a very unlevel playing field for our UK musicians. It is not just an unlevel playing field: it seems a number of own goals were scored in the drawing up of the agreement, not just on cabotage but on carnets and musical instrument certificates. So can my noble friend the Minister assure me that there will be full discussions with the music industry and creative artists before 19 May so that there is a thorough grasp of the problems facing them?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I can reassure my noble friend. She raises very important points about some of the failings and inadequacies of the arrangements that came through the original discussions, which are absolutely critical. I reassure my noble friend that, as well as Minister Bryant visiting counterparts in Europe, officials are engaging on a regular basis. Obviously, consultation with the sector is paramount. We need to make sure that, in moving forward and achieving the reset and rebalance, we put the needs of everyone on the table and make sure that we do not leave anyone out of the future discussions.