Mayoral candidate Luisa Porritt: London’s artists need paperwork free tours

Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London Luisa Porritt has called on the Government to “get back to the negotiating table” and restore paperwork tours for artists in Europe.

The pressure is mounting on the Government as more than a hundred musicians, including Sir Elton John and Liam Gallagher, wrote a letter to The Times calling the introduction of visas and other paperwork for equipment a “negotiating failure”.

Yesterday, Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage stood firm in the House of Commons insisting that musicians and artists touring in the EU will be required to follow each member state’s immigration rules.

Luisa Porritt, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London, said:

“London’s creative industries are already on their knees from the impact of Covid-19. The last thing the sector needs is further disruption from the mess left behind by Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit deal.

“Artists were promised there would be no problem for them to continue touring in Europe. Now they face costly work permits to perform and a mountain of paperwork for their equipment. This is particularly damaging for young, aspiring musicians who will likely find touring completely unviable.

“It affects Londoners wanting to see their favourite European artists too. Lots of us are looking forward to a time when festivals can begin again, and it would be so disappointing if the Tory Government’s Brexit mess resulted in smaller, less diverse line-ups.

“It’s time to end the blame game with the EU and to get back to the negotiating table to sort out this mess. Artists were promised paperwork-free tours and the Government must deliver on that promise.

“Music and other creative industries are vital to London’s economy and bring joy to all our lives. We need urgent action to secure a strong recovery and thriving future for the sector.”