Dear John

The latest session of the UK Trade and Business Commission laid bare the lost opportunity Britons have been dealt in the wake of Brexit. 

Witnesses across the travel and music industries told us how changes to visas and paperwork as a result of Brexit were negatively affecting them.

They were clear: Britain faces a significant cultural deficit as a result of Brexit. 

British musicians' visa applications to tour Europe are being denied. The lack of a comprehensive visa agreement has left many British performers feeling unsure about whether they will be able to complete tours. One witness even observed that musicians who did not have EU nationality were less desirable now to touring employers as a result of Brexit and the botched negotiations that followed it.

This is far from the Brexit dividend so loudly promised. 

Travel experts warned that the shortage of aviation workers in the wake of Brexit is playing havoc with holiday plans. We are now calling for aviation roles to be added to the shortage occupation list, noting the extensive training and skill required for many of these jobs. Such an addition would open these occupations up to applicants from around the globe and ease some of the acute pressures at our airports.

You can watch the full session here:

By watching the session, you’ll be able to hear a range of views from multiple experts across these fields.

Best wishes,

Naomi Smith
CEO, Best for Britain