Musicians’ Union angry over visas debacle, insisting creative arts should be ‘priority’ in negotiations
Musicians perform during a protest calling for more funding for the performing arts in Parliament Square, London
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.
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