Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the new cabotage rules for touring performers and orchestras introduced by the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and whether they will provide details of all official meetings held between the UK government and the EU at which those rules have been discussed.

The Department for Transport’s assessment is that the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) allows for the majority of haulage operations that were being undertaken by UK hauliers before the end of the transition period.  However, UK operators will not be allowed to undertake more than 2 movements within the EU before returning to the UK. These rules will also apply to specialist hauliers, such as hauliers who carry equipment for touring performers and orchestras.

Alternative arrangements for specialist hauliers were discussed in detail as part of negotiations, including specific proposals for liberalised access, but the EU was unwilling to agree more flexible arrangements. Unfortunately, the Department is not able to release the content of correspondence and records pertaining to the negotiation; these texts are confidential, and it is therefore not appropriate for them to be published.