Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the reply by Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay on 21 February (HL Deb col 2), what options they are considering for own account operators regarding musicians touring the EU.

The Government is continuing to support the touring sector to adapt to new arrangements with the EU. Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), UK hauliers can undertake up to two additional laden journeys within the EU after a laden international journey from the UK, with a maximum of one cabotage movement outside Ireland. In its recent consultation, which closed on 18 February 2022, the Department sought views on possible measures to help this specific sector to adapt to the rules under the TCA.

‘Own-account’ operators (those carrying their own goods rather than using vehicles for hire-and-reward) are not exempt from the provisions in the TCA, as all vehicles carrying goods internationally for a commercial purpose – including own account operators – are subject to the market access provisions of the TCA, including rules on cabotage and cross-trade.

The TCA agreement has been concluded and there is no intention to reopen negotiations at this time. The Department for Transport continues to assess what, if anything, can be done regarding international market access for own account operators at this time.