Live Events reps issue FOI request regarding touring restrictions
Following months of continuous lobbying from unions, industry leaders and performers and crew, Bectu Live Events reps have taken our campaign for touring professionals a step further and issued an FOI request for all correspondence between the UK and the EU regarding the EU Trade Deal and the visa restrictions it imposes:
New legislation following Brexit has crippled our sectors with many members losing up to 100% of their work from the lack of ‘deal’ between the EU and UK regarding work permits and visa’s for workers in the Arts post Brexit.
I am seeking all correspondence between the UK government and the EU Commission regarding visas for touring etc, including details of all formal proposals made by either side during these negotiations.
Yours faithfully,
Myles Hayden
The Cabinet Office responded confirming it holds the information requested but cannot disclose it under Section 27 of the Freedom of Information Act. Section 27 relates to information that could prejudice international relations if disclosed, and the Cabinet Office stated it has not reached a decision on whether serving public interest is worth disrupting international relations.
Despite unfaltering pressure from performers, crew, industry leaders and unions, the Government have failed to provide a solution to the problems that the EU Trade Deal presents. Failing to provide evidence of correspondence between UK and EU officials is yet another instance of the Government letting the industry down, and strongly suggests that the UK Government have not done enough to reopen negotiations for a fairer deal for performers and their crew.
The UK is renowned for its high levels of expertise and skill in live events, with many production companies frequently using Britain as a hub for European work. The requirements of the EU Trade Deal will force European and American production companies and artists to hire technical workers from elsewhere, to avoid incurring additional costs from obtaining visas.
Similarly, the EU Trade Deal promises to impede the economic benefits that the industry provides the UK. The live events industry adds £70 billion to the UK economy each year, and provides a consistent boost to local economies around the country, through the revenue created by venues and hospitality when people visit to attend a concert. Reopening negotiations with the EU is vital to save jobs and skills of our highly talented workforce, and maintain the economic benefits that touring provides.
The release of correspondence between the UK and EU officials would greatly aid the creative workers, industry leaders and performers in their efforts to secure free movement for all touring professionals. The EU trade deal as it stands does not adequately cover touring arrangements for performers and their crew, placing a huge financial and logistical burden on the entire industry.
Bectu calls on the Government to release the information requested in the FOI on the 27th July, and reopen negotiations with the EU.
Read the full response here.