Touring artists mobility arrangements

That this House notes with concern the barriers facing British touring artists, musicians, performers, crews and professional drivers following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU; recognises their cultural and economic contribution to the creative industries, exports and soft power; further notes that music contributed £8 billion to the UK economy in 2024, including nearly £5 billion in exports, while the performing arts sector contributed £11 billion; regrets the absence of dedicated touring provisions in the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement has left artists, crews and drivers navigating differing visa, work permit, cabotage, customs and certification regimes across Member States; also notes challenges these requirements create for transporting instruments, staging and sound equipment across borders; believes the continued application of the 90/180 day rule places unnecessary pressure on those whose livelihoods depend on regular travel across Europe; warns such barriers risk undermining one of the UK’s most successful export sectors; calls on the Government to negotiate a reciprocal UK–EU mobility agreement delivering bespoke arrangements for touring artists, crews and professional drivers, including exemptions from the 90/180 day rule and relaxation of cabotage rules affecting touring logistics; further calls on the Government to reduce administrative burdens by simplifying and reducing the cost of ATA carnets, expediting A1 certificates, ensuring its 15 day target is met, and designating St Pancras International as a location where CITES documentation can be processed; and also calls on the Government to rejoin Creative Europe to strengthen cultural exchange, support collaboration and restore effective cooperation with European partners.