Pulsating with creativity and buzzing with talent, the UK’s creative industries are facing a significant hurdle in the post-Brexit era. Despite negative signals from Brussels, the sector is mobilizing to push for better conditions for touring artists in the EU. A formidable lobbying campaign, ‘Cut the Red Tape’, is set to launch in London, rallying support from a diverse range of lobby groups to urge Sir Keir Starmer’s government to uphold its commitment to facilitate smoother operations for UK creative professionals in Europe.
Key points:
- The EU has indicated reluctance to renegotiate the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to meet UK demands, casting shadows of uncertainty over the prospects for a deal.
- The Independent Society of Musicians stresses the urgency of reaching an agreement, emphasizing the government’s pledge to secure a better deal for touring musicians.
- CreativitiesPowerhouse, alongside other advocacy groups, is intensifying efforts to spotlight the challenges faced by British creatives working in Europe, underscoring the need for government intervention and support.
- Industry heavyweights like Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton John have vocalized their discontent with the situation, denouncing the government’s handling of Brexit’s repercussions on the entertainment sector.
The music industry alone, a powerhouse in the UK, boasts global exports amounting to £4bn annually, encompassing streaming revenues, copyright fees, and live touring, a significant portion of which is tied to the EU market. A survey conducted by the Musicians’ Union revealed that three-quarters of respondents experienced a decline in bookings in the EU post-Brexit, indicative of the sector’s struggle.
In light of this crisis, the Starmer government faces mounting pressure to secure favorable terms for UK creative industries, spanning musicians, film crews, fashionistas, and artisans impacted by Brexit’s aftermath. However, the EU’s stance on border rules, road haulage regulations, and service provision poses constraints, hindering negotiations.
Recommended steps:
- Advocate for changes that streamline touring procedures in the EU, slashing the costs associated with permits and facilitating the transportation of equipment.
- Lobby for eased restrictions on importing musical instruments crafted from rare woods into the EU, a practice currently prohibited, to enhance cross-border collaboration.
- Embrace a more ambitious approach to negotiations, as urged by proponents like the European Movement, to unlock the full potential of the UK’s creative industries post-Brexit.
As the battle for better conditions for touring artists rages on, it is incumbent upon the government to prioritize the needs of the creative sector and navigate the complexities of Brexit’s aftermath. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now. Together, we can reignite the flame of creativity and innovation that defines the essence of UK arts and culture.
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