MU throws support behind post-Brexit touring passport

The UK’s Musicians’ Union (MU), which represents more than 30,000 artists, has urged the British government to introduce a dedicated EU touring visa for musicians working in the European Union after Brexit.

A similar proposal, for a post-Brexit touring ‘passport’, has previously been mooted by industry umbrella association UK Music.

The MU says the visa should be “affordable, multi-entry, admin-light and cover all EU member states”.

“If musicians can’t travel easily both ways, our reputation as a country that embraces all arts and culture will be severely damaged”

Horace Trubridge, the union’s general secretary, says: “Music, and the performing arts more generally, rely on exchange of ideas and interaction between performers of different nationalities.

“We love working in the EU and we love artists coming over here. If musicians can’t travel easily both ways, our reputation as a country that embraces all arts and culture will be severely damaged. Our members’ ability to earn a living will also be severely affected.”

An MU petition calls on government and parliament to introduce this visa, and the union will also take the proposal to the Labour and Conservative party conferences. MU members are encouraged to contact their MPs asking them to visit the MU’s stand to discuss this and other issues affecting musicians.

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