LONDON (AP) – Dozens of British music stars, including Elton John, Ed Sheeran and conductor Simon Rattle, say musicians have been “shamefully failed” by the British government, facing restrictions on touring in the European Union after Brexit .
In a letter published Wednesday in the Times of London, more than 100 musicians, including Sting, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and Roger Daltrey of The Who, along with heads of major art institutions, said the new trade deal between the UK and the EU that came into force Jan. 1 has “a gaping hole where the promised free movement for musicians should be.”
Britain’s departure from the EU means that British citizens can no longer live and work freely in the 27-country block. Tourists do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, and some short business trips are also allowed. But artists and musicians are not included in the deal.
Britain and the EU disagree on who is to blame for the default, accusing each other of turning down a deal for touring artists.
The new rules mean that British performers have to comply with different rules in the 27 EU countries, negotiating visas for musicians and permits for their equipment. Many say the cost and red tape will make it impossible for British artists to perform on the continent, jeopardizing the country’s status as a cultural powerhouse.
The musicians’ letter stated that the new cost and bureaucracy “will make many tours unfeasible, especially for young emerging musicians who are already struggling to survive the COVID ban on live music.”
Legislator Pete Wishart, a former member of the rock band Runrig, said in the House of Commons on Tuesday that musicians and artists were “just a pledge in this government’s obsession with ending freedom of movement” and control of immigration once it left the EU.
Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage acknowledged the situation was “incredibly disappointing” but said “the door is open” to talk to the EU about a deal for musicians. She opposed calls from the opposition to publish details of the proposals made by the UK during negotiations that the bloc reportedly rejected.
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