School Trips to the United Kingdom Debate

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Department: Home Office

School Trips to the United Kingdom

Viscount Stansgate Excerpts
Monday 19th June 2023

(1 year, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Murray of Blidworth Portrait Lord Murray of Blidworth (Con)
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That may well be a very good idea. I am afraid that I am not in a position to comment on that at the moment, but I will certainly look into it.

Viscount Stansgate Portrait Viscount Stansgate (Lab)
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My Lords, the Minister talked about the importance of cultural exchanges, and I agree. Can he tell the House what progress is being made to negotiate with our European neighbours a scheme whereby young musicians and youth orchestras can tour in Europe, which they did so successfully in the years before we left the EU?

Lord Murray of Blidworth Portrait Lord Murray of Blidworth (Con)
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Clearly, once the electronic travel authorisation scheme is in place, holders of EU passports will be able to apply for permission to travel to the UK, which will last for a period of three years. Similarly, our own British musicians will be able to apply for an ETIAS under the European scheme, which will enable them to travel for the requisite period. As to the particular details in relation to assistance for musicians, I am afraid that I do not have the answer to hand; I will look into that and write to the noble Viscount.