Harriet Harman Portrait

Harriet Harman

Labour - Camberwell and Peckham

First elected: 28th October 1982


Harriet Harman is not a member of any APPGs
5 Former APPG memberships
Housing and Planning, Immigration Detention, One Punch Assaults, War Crimes, Women in Parliament
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
21st Jun 2023 - 10th Jan 2024
Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill
1st Mar 2023 - 8th Mar 2023
Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill
8th Feb 2023 - 22nd Feb 2023
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
4th Mar 2020 - 21st Jul 2022
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
1st Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Liaison Committee Sub-committee on the effectiveness and influence of the select committee system
13th Feb 2019 - 6th Nov 2019
Liaison Committee (Commons)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
29th Oct 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Human Rights (Joint Committee)
28th Oct 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Liaison Committee (Commons)
29th Oct 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Leader of Her Majesty's Official Opposition
8th May 2015 - 12th Sep 2015
Leader of HM Official Opposition
8th May 2015 - 12th Sep 2015
Leader of the Labour Party
8th May 2015 - 12th Sep 2015
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
25th Sep 2010 - 8th May 2015
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (also Shadow Deputy Prime Minister)
7th Oct 2011 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Deputy Prime Minister and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
25th Sep 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Secretary of State for International Development
8th Oct 2010 - 7th Oct 2011
Leader of Her Majesty's Official Opposition
12th May 2010 - 25th Sep 2010
Leader of the Labour Party
12th May 2010 - 25th Sep 2010
Leader of HM Official Opposition
12th May 2010 - 25th Sep 2010
Minister of State (Government Equalities Office)
12th Oct 2007 - 6th May 2010
Leader of the House of Commons and Lord Privy Seal
28th Jun 2007 - 6th May 2010
Members Estimate Committee
28th Jun 2007 - 6th May 2010
Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
28th Oct 2009 - 6th May 2010
Modernisation of the House of Commons
26th Jul 2007 - 6th May 2010
Members Estimate
28th Jun 2007 - 6th May 2010
Modernisation of the House of Commons
10th Oct 2007 - 6th May 2010
Member, Labour Party National Executive Committee
1st Jul 1993 - 6th May 2010
Party Chair, Labour Party
28th Jun 2007 - 6th May 2010
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party
28th Jun 2007 - 6th May 2010
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
9th May 2007 - 28th Jun 2007
Minister of State (Department of Constitutional Affairs)
10th May 2005 - 8th May 2007
Solicitor General (Law Officers)
11th Jun 2001 - 10th May 2005
Secretary of State for Social Security and Minister for Women
1st May 1997 - 27th Jul 1998
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
1st Jul 1996 - 1st May 1997
Shadow Secretary of State for Health
1st Jul 1995 - 1st Jul 1996
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
22nd Jul 1994 - 1st Jul 1995
Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
20th Jul 1992 - 22nd Jul 1994
Shadow Spokesperson (Health)
1st Jun 1987 - 1st Jun 1992
Shadow Minister (Health)
1st Jun 1984 - 1st Jun 1987


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Harriet Harman has voted in 550 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

13 May 2020 - Remote Division result: New Clause 2 - View Vote Context
Harriet Harman voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Labour No votes vs 183 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 277 Noes - 328
View All Harriet Harman Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Rosie Winterton (Labour)
(6 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(6 debate interactions)
Dominic Raab (Conservative)
(4 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Leader of the House
(20 debate contributions)
Home Office
(12 debate contributions)
Ministry of Justice
(7 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(7 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Harriet Harman's debates

Camberwell and Peckham Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Black Women in the U.K. are 5 times more likely to die during pregnancy and after childbirth compared to White Women (MBRRACE, 2019). We need more research done into why this is happening and recommendations to improve health care for Black Women as urgent action is needed to address this disparity.


Latest EDMs signed by Harriet Harman

11th March 2024
Harriet Harman signed this EDM on Tuesday 12th March 2024

Alleged comments by Frank Hester

Tabled by: Dawn Butler (Labour - Brent Central)
That this House expresses its shock regarding the alleged comments made by Frank Hester reported by The Guardian about the hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington and all Black women; believes these alleged comments to be both racist and violent in nature; notes that Mr Hester is a …
70 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 37
Scottish National Party: 15
Liberal Democrat: 10
Plaid Cymru: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Conservative: 1
Independent: 1
Alba Party: 1
Green Party: 1
Alliance: 1
13th June 2023
Harriet Harman signed this EDM on Monday 4th September 2023

Fire Safety Remediation in Blocks below 11 metres

Tabled by: Hilary Benn (Labour - Leeds Central)
That this House notes with concern that leaseholders living in blocks below the arbitrary height threshold of 11 metres are facing uncapped costs to fix cladding and other building safety defects, which may lead to repossessions and bankruptcy; believes that these leaseholders are no more to blame for the national …
34 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Oct 2023)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 21
Independent: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Conservative: 2
Liberal Democrat: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Green Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Harriet Harman's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Harriet Harman, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.



Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
17th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what percentage of current Chairs of Public Sector Bodies are women; and how this percentage has changed since 1992.

The Cabinet Office publishes annual data on public appointments diversity. The latest figures, published 21 October 2021, show that the proportion of Chair, or Chair equivalent roles filled by women in post on 31 March 2021 was 33%. In 2017, the comparative figure was 30%. Comparative figures are not available for earlier years. Data for 31 March 2022 will be published before the end of the year.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
17th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many women were victims of homicide in each year since 2015.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 17 October is attached.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
17th Jun 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Rt Hon Lord Frost CMG plans to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee following his recent postponement.

Lord Frost will appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 29 June 2021 alongside the Minister of State for Digital and Culture, Caroline Dinenage MP.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
13th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Rt Hon Lord Frost CMG plans to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

The Government is committed to Parliamentary scrutiny of our new relationship with the EU, and recognises the important role played by Select Committees, in particular the European Scrutiny Committee and the European Affairs Committee before which Lord Frost will be appearing in the coming weeks. Lord Frost has agreed to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 10 June together with DCMS Ministers.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate she has made of the proportion of rapes in England and Wales which were unreported in each of the last five years.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

11th Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he discussed EU-UK reciprocal visa-free touring for musicians with Maroš Šefčovič at their meeting on 11 February 2021.

The arrangements for touring musicians between the UK and the EU relate to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and not the Withdrawal Agreement which was the subject of the meeting on 11 February between the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Maroš Šefčovič.

The Government recognises the importance of the UK’s world leading cultural and creative industries, and we are now focused on helping the sector work as confidently as possible in the EU. DCMS has established a Working Group of sector representatives and other key government departments to look at the issues facing the creative and cultural sectors when touring the EU.

The date of the first meetings of the committees set up under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement will be announced in due course, when we have agreed with the EU.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what provision there is for civil servants to take paid leave to care for their children of primary school-age and under when the child is ill.

Within the Civil Service, policies on time off are delegated to departments. Departments can decide whether to offer paid special leave in these circumstances, or whether a combination of annual, flexi and special leave is more appropriate.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
14th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department is taking steps to help support UK-based touring musicians with the requirement to obtain an ATA Carnet for taking their instruments and equipment to the EU.

The Export Support Service is the first point of contact for all UK businesses to get answers to questions about exporting their products or services, including on areas most relevant to touring musicians such as ATA carnets.

The government has also published new information on the GOV.UK website specifically for touring musicians and other creative sectors and worked closely with music industry bodies to help develop their own tailored guidance.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to provide a £200 one-off payment to users of communal heat networks.

My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed in the Autumn Statement that the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which was intended to support businesses, will be reformed from April and targeted at the most affected businesses. It has been decided that heat network consumers will not receive the Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment of £200, which was designed to support households using fuels such as oil, LPG or coal. Instead, the Government will bring forward a more appropriate route to deliver support, beyond April 2023, that is in line with support provided by other domestic consumers.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to provide energy bill support for communal heat network users on a parity basis with any further support provided to domestic gas users.

Some domestic heat network customers are already receiving energy bill support through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. The Government is developing options to ensure domestic consumers on a non-domestic meter continue to benefit from support in line with other domestic users after April.

Further information on the scheme will be made publicly available in the near future.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether financial support will be made available for users of communal heat networks from April 2023; and if he will make a statement.

Domestic heat network customers currently receive support on their heating and hot water bills via the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. The Government is developing options to ensure these domestic consumers benefit from support in line with other domestic users after April 2023. Further information on a successor scheme will be available in the near future.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has estimated the average annual savings to users of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES); and when he expects HNES users to receive a reduction in their bills.

The Government has not estimated the average annual savings to consumers – these will be project specific and dependent on the heat network optimisation measures for which grant support is awarded. The point at which bill reductions and/or other benefits are delivered will also be project specific, and dependent on a) the heat network optimisation measures for which grant funding is awarded and b) each projects delivery timescales. The Government does expect to see benefits being delivered to some networks that are awarded grants in early funding rounds in advance of the next heating season.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, on what dates Ministers in his Department have met with Housing Associations that administer communal heat networks to discuss the government financial support they have received and pass on to customers.

Ministers have not met with housing associations which administer communal networks to discuss the heat network specific support provided under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, however officials have been meeting with these organisations over the past year to discuss the design of the scheme and continue to do so to understand its effectiveness.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to require Housing Associations that administer communal heat networks to provide accounts to their customers of all deductions and costs that form their bill.

The Energy Prices Act requires eligible heat network operators to pass on discounts they receive from the EBRS to their consumers. They will not be required to provide full accounts but they must explain to the customer how the discount amount that they have passed on is just and reasonable and the areas that they can consider are specified in accompanying regulations. We have appointed the Energy Ombudsman as a body that heat network customers in Great Britain can go to this winter if they are concerned that their heat network operator is not meeting the requirements of legislation.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to take steps to help improve broadband infrastructure in Camberwell and Peckham.

The Government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible. By 2025 the government is targeting a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage.

Today, less than 9.6% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 10.8% of premises in Southwark specifically do not have access to a gigabit-capable network; meaning the overwhelming majority - 90.4% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 89.2% of premises in Southwark - already have gigabit coverage.

In order to further improve connectivity in Camberwell, Peckham and Southwark, we have published the Digital Connectivity Portal, which offers extensive guidance to help local authorities facilitate broadband deployment. This includes technical information on the application of telecoms legislation; practical examples of best practice such as the Street Works Toolkit for working in the country’s highways; and wayleave templates for telecoms operators to gain access to public sector land.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology officials regularly facilitate meetings and workshops between local government and the broadband industry, to build relationships that foster more frictionless deployment. The four sub-regional partnerships across London have been vital in coordinating this work. For example, Central London Forward, which represents Southwark, has actively worked with the Government on a number of initiatives.

More generally, we have made it as attractive as possible for firms to build their networks in the UK by removing barriers to rollout and working with Ofcom to promote competition and investment. As a result, there is now a thriving market of over 80 providers investing nearly £35bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the UK.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate her Department has 0made of the number of households without fibre-optic broadband in (a) Camberwell and Peckham and (b) Southwark as of 17 April 2023.

The Government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible. By 2025 the government is targeting a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage.

Today, less than 9.6% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 10.8% of premises in Southwark specifically do not have access to a gigabit-capable network; meaning the overwhelming majority - 90.4% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 89.2% of premises in Southwark - already have gigabit coverage.

In order to further improve connectivity in Camberwell, Peckham and Southwark, we have published the Digital Connectivity Portal, which offers extensive guidance to help local authorities facilitate broadband deployment. This includes technical information on the application of telecoms legislation; practical examples of best practice such as the Street Works Toolkit for working in the country’s highways; and wayleave templates for telecoms operators to gain access to public sector land.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology officials regularly facilitate meetings and workshops between local government and the broadband industry, to build relationships that foster more frictionless deployment. The four sub-regional partnerships across London have been vital in coordinating this work. For example, Central London Forward, which represents Southwark, has actively worked with the Government on a number of initiatives.

More generally, we have made it as attractive as possible for firms to build their networks in the UK by removing barriers to rollout and working with Ofcom to promote competition and investment. As a result, there is now a thriving market of over 80 providers investing nearly £35bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the UK.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
23rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to Answer of 23 November 2022 to Question 89687 on District Heating, when he expects people on heat networks to receive the benefits of this financial assistance; and what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that any savings are passed onto the consumer by the administrators of heat networks.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) provides a price reduction to eligible Heat Suppliers on non-domestic tariffs. Energy supplies to communal heat networks use commercial contracts. The prices being charged on non-domestic contracts are already being reduced by the Energy Prices Act and accompanying regulations. The EBRS Pass-through Requirement (Heat Suppliers) Regulations 2022 requires eligible heat suppliers to pass on the benefits of the discount in a just and reasonable way. Heat suppliers should start to receive any EBRS discounts for October energy usage in their November bills and must inform their customers within 30 days of themselves receiving the discount. The regulations appoint the Energy Ombudsman to resolve disputes about the pass-through of these discounts in Great Britain.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to provide financial support to people who receive their heat through communal heat networks, in addition to the £400 energy bill discount; and what plans he has to provide further targeted support.

Through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the Government is effectively introducing a cap on the price that heat networks buy energy at, which is a much more targeted approach and ensures support gets to customers as quickly as possible.

Energy supplies to communal systems use commercial contracts. These will benefit from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) which will enable the Government to provide financial assistance for all eligible non-domestic customers to ensure they are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to reply to the joint letter from the Rt hon. Members for Camberwell and Peckham, and Romsey and Southampton North, sent electronically on 4 February 2021, on a timetable for the Government's proposed Employment Bill.

I wrote to the Rt. Hon. Members on 10 March outlining the Government’s position on the Employment Bill, which will be brought forward when Parliamentary time allows.

1st Mar 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the (a) Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and (b) local authority leaders on supporting councils’ programmes for tackling climate change and improving climate resilience.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy recently met with my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, reiterating the commitment to tackling climate change and agreed for the two departments to continue working together to drive forward the Net Zero Agenda.

The Secretary of State is clear that local places play a key role in tackling Climate Change and meeting the Net Zero target. In September last year, the then Secretary of State, Alok Sharma, met with the Mayoral and Regions Advisory Group with the next meeting taking place this month. This group is made up of Mayors, Devolved Administrations and the LGA with the purpose to engage with communities and emphasize their role in Climate Change, especially in the run up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) as part of the UK Presidency’s aim to make this inclusive and representative of all of the UK.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to publish the results of the Parental Rights Study 2019.

As part of the evaluation of the Shared Parental Leave (SPL) and Pay scheme we have undertaken large, representative, surveys of employers and parents and a qualitative study of parents who have taken SPL.

Alongside this we are assessing responses from the consultation on high-level options for reforming parental leave and pay. Together, all of these will give us a fuller picture of how well the current system of parental leave and pay is working for parents and employers.

We intend to publish the findings of all of the research that we have commissioned – including the “Parental Rights Study” - later this year alongside the evaluation report itself and the Government Response to the consultation.

11th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate she has made of the number of households living in fuel poverty in (a) Camberwell and Peckham constituency and (b) the London Borough of Southwark.

Parliamentary constituency data can be found in table 5 of the Fuel Poverty Sub-regional tables at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sub-regional-fuel-poverty-data-2019. Data for Southwark can be found in table 2 of the same set of tables.

11th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps she is taking to end household fuel poverty.

Improving energy efficiency is the best long-term solution to tackle fuel poverty. The Energy Company Obligation, worth £640m per year, provides energy efficiency upgrades to low income and vulnerable households. Over 2 million households have received measures since the scheme began in 2013.

Tenants living in energy inefficient properties are some of the most at risk of fuel poverty. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards now require landlords spend up to £3500 improving their properties to energy efficiency Band E before renting them out.

In addition to support to improve energy efficiency the Warm Home Discount provides support to more than 2 million low income and vulnerable households each year through a £140 rebate. Over £2.7 billion has been provided by the scheme over the last nine years.

Our 2020 Fuel Poverty Strategy will set out further detail around our future plans to tackle fuel poverty.

13th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when her Department will notify the English National Opera of the outcome of its funding application for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years.

Decisions made by Arts Council England about which institutions to fund, and by how much, are taken at arm's length from HM Government. As such, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has no role in notifying organisations of the outcome of their funding applications.

Arts Council England has awarded £11.46 million of public funding for the English National Opera for the current year (2023–24) and has set a budget of a further £24 million for 2024–26, with a final decision on the latter sum expected over this Summer.

9th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 May 2023 to Question 182767 on Musicians: EU Countries, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the creative sectors to understand whether and how the visitor system can be simplified for touring bands.

Government ministers and officials regularly engage with industry representatives to inform policy development. In April, the Secretary of State hosted a music industry roundtable with broad representation from across the sector to understand the key challenges and opportunities facing the music sector, including how to address barriers to inbound and outbound touring. In May, the Secretary of State and Minister Julia Lopez met with music industry leaders, including executives from UK Music, LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) and the Musicians' Union, to further discuss issues and solutions to support growth across the music sector and wider creative industries.

26th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the number of music groups from EU countries that have been scheduled to tour the UK in the last year but that have been refused entry due to immigration rules.

Border Force, responsible for securing the UK border by carrying out immigration and customs controls for people and goods entering the UK, do not hold statistics on music groups specifically.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU. Our immigration system continues to support the thriving cultural life of the UK. We have been working, and will continue to work, with the creative sectors to understand whether and how the visitor system can be further simplified.

The UK’s rules for touring creative professionals are comparatively more generous than in many EU Member States. The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from non-visa national countries, such as EU Member States and the US, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work permits.

Border Force Officers undertake training on an ongoing basis to ensure the Immigration Rules are upheld and applied consistently.

Sector specific guidance on creative professionals from non-visa national countries, including the EU and the US, visiting the UK for performance and work has been published by DCMS on GOV.UK can be found in the ‘Visiting the UK as a creative professional from a non-visa national country guidance’ on GOV.UK.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to conduct a review into opera provision in England.

Decisions about which organisations to fund, and by how much, are taken by Arts Council England at arm’s length from the Government. Arts Council England made its decisions in line with its published guidance and its ten-year strategy, ‘Let’s Create’. Assessments were carried out by Arts Council England, and decisions were made by its Area and National Councils, which include both local representatives and people who work in the sector. Any questions about specific funding decisions should be directed to Arts Council England.

Arts Council England’s investment in opera, orchestras and other classical organisations represents around 80% of all investment in music in its 2023–26 Investment Programme. Through this programme, opera will continue to be well funded, with it remaining at around 40% of Arts Council England’s overall investment in music. Organisations such as the English Touring Opera and the Birmingham Opera Company will receive increased funding, and there are many new joiners such as Opera UpClose and Pegasus Opera Company, who are based in South London. It is worth noting that these statistics are likely to underestimate the level of opera activity being funded as some organisations in the 2023–26 Investment Programme will fall into combined arts or non-discipline-specific categories.

The Government will continue to work with Arts Council England to understand the impacts of its investment in arts and culture, including on opera.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Art Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding between 2023 to 2026 on the opera industry.

Decisions about which organisations to fund, and by how much, are taken by Arts Council England at arm’s length from the Government. Arts Council England made its decisions in line with its published guidance and its ten-year strategy, ‘Let’s Create’. Assessments were carried out by Arts Council England, and decisions were made by its Area and National Councils, which include both local representatives and people who work in the sector. Any questions about specific funding decisions should be directed to Arts Council England.

Arts Council England’s investment in opera, orchestras and other classical organisations represents around 80% of all investment in music in its 2023–26 Investment Programme. Through this programme, opera will continue to be well funded, with it remaining at around 40% of Arts Council England’s overall investment in music. Organisations such as the English Touring Opera and the Birmingham Opera Company will receive increased funding, and there are many new joiners such as Opera UpClose and Pegasus Opera Company, who are based in South London. It is worth noting that these statistics are likely to underestimate the level of opera activity being funded as some organisations in the 2023–26 Investment Programme will fall into combined arts or non-discipline-specific categories.

The Government will continue to work with Arts Council England to understand the impacts of its investment in arts and culture, including on opera.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Luxembourg Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Luxembourg without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Luxembourg.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Lithuanian Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Lithuania without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Lithuania.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Latvian Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Latvia without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Latvia.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Italian Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Italy without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Italy.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Irish Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Ireland without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Ireland.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Hungarian Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Hungary without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Hungary.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Greek Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Greece without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Greece.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the German Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in Germany without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in Germany.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the French Government to agree bespoke bilateral arrangements for UK musicians seeking to tour in France without restrictions.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether any bilateral arrangements are in place for UK musicians seeking to tour in France.

This Government is committed to supporting the UK’s creative industries, including musicians, to adapt to new arrangements with the EU.

EU Member States are principally responsible for deciding the rules governing what work UK visitors can undertake in each Member State. We have engaged bilaterally with all EU Member States, and nearly all (24 out of 27) have confirmed they offer visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for short-term touring.

This includes the UK’s biggest touring markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Following engagement by the UK Government and the sector, this also includes Spain, which introduced 90-day visa- and work permit- free touring in November 2021; and Greece, which announced a visa and work permit free route for UK creatives in June 2022, currently due to be in place until 31 December 2022. The UK Government is continuing to engage with Greece on extending this arrangement beyond the end of this year, however this is ultimately a decision for the Greek Government to take.

The Government is engaged with the remaining Member States - Cyprus, Malta and Portugal - 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.

The UK’s domestic rules allow musicians, entertainers and artists (and their technical staff) from EU Member States, to perform in the UK without requiring a visa, and the UK does not have work-permits.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)