Asked by: Ashley Dalton (Labour - West Lancashire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his counterparts in EU countries on allowing UK support crew members working with touring musicians and performing artists to work in Europe for more than 90 days without applying for a visa.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
The UK Government is committed to supporting the creative sector to adapt to requirements for touring in the EU. The vast majority of Member States including the UK's biggest touring markets offer visa and work permit free routes for musicians and creative performers. The Government has engaged with the remaining Member States on allowing creative professionals to tour more easily, however ultimately it is up to these countries to align their requirements more closely with the UK's generous rules.