Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of making representations to US counterparts on that country's proposals to increase the costs of short- and long-term visas for touring performers.

Whilst US immigration policy is ultimately a matter for the US authorities, the UK Government has engaged with the US authorities on this matter to make clear the concerns that the UK music industry has about the increase in US visa costs.

We are continuing to engage our counterparts in the US on this matter. In parallel, we have encouraged the music sector to respond to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services' consultation.

My Department regularly engages across Government, and with the music sector, on issues concerning touring professionals.