UK Music call for a Europe-wide live music passport, following Brexit

The chief executive of UK Music, Michael Dugher, has pushed for the British government to end the “uncertainty and lack of clarity” following the Brexit decision, and introduce a EU-wide live music ‘passport’ for British musicians, who need to tour freely throughout Europe.

“The Mercury Awards has once again showcased the incredible talent and diversity that is British music at its best,” he said. “The voracious appetite for British music around the world has never been greater and has pushed our exports up 11% to a new high of £365 million last year, according to recent figures from the BPI.

“It’s true that leaving the EU may open the door to new trade deals and could unlock barriers in established markets like the US. But the current uncertainty and lack of clarity about the government’s Brexit plans threatens our success. It means some investment opportunities are on hold and long-term planning is seriously hampered.

“That’s why it was welcome that the Conservative government and the Labour opposition are now talking of a post-Brexit transition period that will entail interim arrangements to help business adjust to what is likely to be a seismic set of changes. The government must now prioritise achieving an agreement on a transitionary period by the end of this year to provide a degree of certainty.

Brexit Day happens on March 29, 2019.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.