Dear John,

We’ve nearly done it.

After immense pressure, the government is inching towards visa-free touring for artists.

Boris Johnson promised to “sort out” gaps in the UK-EU trade deal which left musicians and artists unable to tour in Europe, after thousands of supporters like you contacted their MP.

Our campaign to save European touring garnered support from big-name musicians, from Elton John all the way to Groove Armada. It’s thanks to you the government sat up and took notice.

If what the Prime Minister says is true, this is your success. But he needs to go much further. All sorts of industries have been impacted by our disorderly exit from the EU.

Sign the open letter to Boris Johnson. Tell him to get back to the negotiating table, and secure proper visa arrangements for all creative professionals. Tell him to fix his unworkable trade deal.

I welcome the Prime Minister’s words, but the government needs to go beyond promises to level up this barebones trade deal.

UK musicians and their crew rely on giving live performance across Europe, or accompanying big-name acts on international tours. More than most professions, they need to move rapidly between EU states.

But with paperwork, administrative costs and delays, many emerging musicians can no longer afford to go on tour.

The creative industries are reeling from the impact of COVID, and now, from the end of free movement. We face losing the next generation of British talent.

There are simple things the government could be doing to lessen the impact of this double whammy. Sign the open letter calling for cultural visas and bespoke task-force to level-up trade in services.

The government already missed an opportunity to secure reciprocal visa exemptions for touring artists, despite a promise to the music industry.

Now, we are calling on the Prime Minister to get back to the negotiating table, and deliver what he promised.

Best wishes,

Cary Mitchell, 
Director of Operations, Best for Britain