Artists and Musicians: Working in Europe

Lord Cormack Excerpts

Thursday 9th September 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

I am not sure whether I have the exact precision of the noble Lord’s use of language but we have set out that we now have clear guidance around short-term touring with 19 member states. However, we are also focused on the outcomes and achieving ease of movement for our artists, including existing successes such as clarifying, for example, that touring artists and support staff will not be double charged for social security contributions.

[Lord Cormack (Con)]

My Lords, have not the Proms wonderfully illustrated this summer what an international language music is? Can we make it plain that we in this country are prepared to admit any European musicians, just as we welcomed Haydn and Mozart in the 18th century?

[Baroness Barran (Con)]

My noble friend is absolutely right and already we have announced, for the reasons he set out, generous criteria for European musicians performing here.