Policy needs reversed to avoid damaging the music industry

The decision to abolish touring visas for British musicians, introduced on January 1 as part of Boris’ Johnson’s Brexit deal, has been met with widespread condemnation – with over 280,000 people signing an online petition.

MPs across Westminster have criticised the move and have urged the UK government to return to the negotiating table with the EU, or face “disastrous consequences” for the creative sector.

It was revealed that during the initial negotiations, the EU offered to include visa-free work permits, but it was rejected on the grounds that the UK would have to reciprocate.

Ms Crawley said: “Scotland has long-standing creative ties with our European neighbours, which has been utterly decimated as a result of Brexit.

“The UK’s music industry is worth £5.8bn annually, and supports more than 200,000 jobs. For this UK Government to suggest a touring visa was not compatible with ‘Brexit Britain’ has rightly caused huge condemnation across the country.

“We are now seeing the costs of touring soar, making it impossible for many musicians and performers to travel across Europe freely. The SNP will not stand by quietly and see our performers flee as a result of the disastrous consequences of Brexit.

“Brexit has, and will continue to be, an unmitigated disaster. Our creative sector is being dismantled by a Westminster government that Scotland did not vote for.”