Derek Kotz
Industrial reporter
THE Musicians’ Union (MU) has reacted angrily to allegations that ministers rejected an EU offer of visa-free touring by British acts, leaving workers in the industry uncertain of their futures.
Reports quoting a source close to the Brexit negotiations suggest that the British government turned down a proposal to exempt musicians and other touring performers from the need for visas and work permits for up to for 90 days.
They alleged that Britain’s negotiators instead proposed a 30-day exemption — rejected by the EU — to fit in with Home Secretary Priti Patel’s immigration crackdown, which includes stringent visa requirements for visiting performers.
PAUL W FLEMING is unequivocal that Labour’s unpreparedness and resulting ambiguity on copyright in the creative industries has to be reined in with policies that will reverse the growing abuse by Big Tech AI
ANN HENDERSON on the exciting programme planned for this summer’s festival in the Scottish capital
This is a remarkable set of hop hip, salsa, reggae, soul, cumbia and traditional Mexican music finds TONY BURKE



