UK Government denies it rejected offer of post-Brexit visa-free tours for musicians in EU

The UK Government has denied reports it rejected an offer of visa-free tours by musicians in the European Union, saying it pushed for a "more ambitious agreement" during negotiations.

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke

The UK's post-Brexit travel rules, which came into force on January 1, do not guarantee visa-free travel for artists and other creatives throughout the EU's 27 member states.

Industry bodies, including trade group UK Music, have warned that performers who have to secure individual visas for each country they visit may face extra costs.

Citing an EU source close to negotiations, the Independent reported that a "standard" proposal to exempt performers for 90 days was turned down by the UK, prompting anger from some musicians.

A UK Government spokesperson described the reports as "misleading speculation".

They said: "The UK pushed for a more ambitious agreement with the EU on the temporary movement of business travellers, which would have covered musicians and others, but our proposals were rejected by the EU."

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, composer Nitin Sawhney and Charlatans singer Tim Burgess were among those who voiced criticism.

Burgess described the reports as "the great rock ‘n roll swindle" in a tweet, adding: "We need to get answers to this and not let them sweep it under the carpet – they shouldn't be let off the hook for treating artists with such contempt."

A petition calling on the Government to negotiate a "free cultural work permit" to ensure ease of travel throughout the EU has received more than 235,000 signatures.

Stars including One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, former Boyzone member Ronan Keating and singer-songwriter Laura Marling have encouraged their fans to support the campaign.

The Liberal Democrats called on the Government to disclose what was offered by the EU during negotiations.

A spokesperson said: "These new restrictions are a blow to the music industry, which has already suffered so much during the pandemic, and will disadvantage young aspiring musicians the most and may make touring financially impossible for some."

Horace Trubridge, general secretary of the Musicians' Union (MU), said: "The news, if true, that our own elected representatives chose to turn down such an offer is nigh-on unbelievable.