10.06.2026: Music industry leaders and MPs gathered in Westminster for a roundtable discussion on a report by the European Movement UK entitled ‘Creating Culture Together: A Practical Reset for UK-EU Creative Cooperation’.  

UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl provided the foreword for this important report, which includes key recommendations on how to resolve some of the barriers facing touring artists and crews, as well as the wider creative industries as a a result of the UK leaving the EU.  

The session was opened by Liberal Democrats Europe Spokesperson Dr Al Pinkerton, who acknowledged the challenges now facing many working in the creative industries who struggled to access European markets. UK Music’s Director of Campaigns and Engagement Olga FitzRoy gave an update on the next steps for the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), which UK Music co-convene, and Musicians’ Union (MU) Head of International Dave Webster reported on CEC activities so far. You can find out more about the CEC here.  

Attendees also heard from representatives of musicians, orchestras and touring crews, including UK Music members the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and Pendulum guitarist Perry ap Gwynedd, giving real-life examples of the reduction in work and income for many, and the human cost of the increased admin and uncertainty that has made touring impossible for many previously successful artists, crew members and businesses. 

Closing the meeting, Lib Dem DCMS Spokesperson Anna Sabine reflected on the ongoing challenges and updated the group on upcoming policy announcements and Lib Dem party conference activities relating to the music sector.