SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
Said the Foyle MP: “One impact that Brexit is having on our people is the effect that it will have on our artists and musicians as they travel to the continent to perform and showcase their talents.
“Over the years, Derry and the North West has produced incredibly talented artists and musicians who have been able to travel freely throughout Europe, entertain thousands and earn a professional living to support themselves and their families.
“The extent of this freedom for artists and musicians travelling on British passports has now been hampered by Brexit and the British government.
“I’m concerned that while the deal that was agreed between the British government and the European Union provides exemptions to visa rules for certain workers travelling from Britain and the North, this does not include artists and musicians.”
“As a result of the deal, artists and musicians who are travelling on a British passport will have to apply for separate visas for each individual country they visit while touring in Europe.
“This will mean the artist or musician will be seriously out of pocket due to the added cost.
“To help support our local musicians and artists promote their talents in the rest of Europe, I have added my name to Early Day Motion 1312.
“I’m urging the British government to urgently introduce a visa for touring musicians and other artists to facilitate their work across Europe without requiring the need for multiple visas and additional costs.
“The British government must act immediately to ensure that when we and the rest of Europe emerge from the Coronavirus crisis, our artists and musicians can return to tour throughout Europe unhindered.”
