Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make it his policy to introduce a (a) two year multi-entry touring visa for musicians, (b) temporary exemption from duty for the transportation of instruments and equipment and (c) an expansion of the list of CITES-designated points of entry and exit.

DCMS has engaged extensively with union bodies, companies, orchestras, individual musical practitioners and cultural organisations. We understand the importance of being able to tour. We recognise that this depends on musicians and crew being able to move quickly and easily between countries, taking necessary equipment with them.

We want a relationship with the EU based on friendly cooperation. On temporary entry for business purposes (mode 4), a reciprocal agreement based on best precedent will mean that UK citizens will be able to undertake some business activities in the EU without a work permit, on a short-term basis. The same would apply for EU citizens making business visits to the UK. The precise details, including range of activities, documentation needed, and the time limit, will be negotiated.

There are several options currently available which allow certain goods to be imported temporarily into the UK from outside the EU without payment of duties, subject to certain conditions. These include ATA Carnet and Temporary Admission (TA). Similarly there are options, including ATA Carnet and Returned Goods Relief (RGR), that allow certain goods to be reimported to the UK following temporary export to another customs territory without payment of duties. At the end of the Transition Period, ATA Carnets, RGR and TA will all become options for temporarily moving musical instruments and equipment between the UK and EU.

DEFRA has already expanded the list of CITES-designated points of entry and exit available post Transition Period to a total of 29. They will continue to work with port operators, Border Force, and industry to analyse trade flows and will designate further PoE where there is clear evidence of benefit to the UK.