Published
Wed, Jan 20, 2021, 12:50
- Published today in The Times, the letter urges the government to "negotiate paperwork-free travel in Europe."
110 musicians, including several electronic artists, have signed a letter to the government criticising the current Brexit deal.
Brian Eno, Bicep, Radiohead, Jayda G, Ross From Friends, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip and Glastonbury bosses Michael and Emily Eavis have all signed the letter, which was organised by the Liberal Democrats and the Incorporated Society Of Musicians (ISM). Published today, January 20th, in The Times, it fires heavy criticism at Boris Johnson's government, saying "musicians, dancers, actors and their support staff have been shamefully failed."
"We urge the government to do what it said it would do and negotiate paperwork-free travel in Europe for British artists and their equipment," the letter continues. "For the sake of British fans wanting to see European performers in the UK and British venues wishing to host them, the deal should be reciprocal."
The letter comes after the UK government rejected plans for a two-year-long "musician's passport," reports the Guardian. The proposal was put forward in a petition by The Musicians' Union, racking up more than 113,000 signatures.
The UK and Europe blame each other for dragging out the talks. Caroline Dinenage, the minister for digital and culture, said yesterday in parliament that "the door is open," but the solution "wouldn't be about a waiver but about facilitation," reports the Guardian.
Earlier this month, the UK turned down an offer from the EU of visa-free tours.
Other signatories of the letter include Joss Stone, Manchester rapper Aitch and The Who's Roger Daltrey, who voted for Brexit.
Photo credit: Hanny Naibaho
This story has been updated with the Incorporated Society Of Musicians (ISM) as joint authors of the letter.