19.05.2025: UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl has welcomed Sir Keir Starmer’s “reset” deal with the EU as efforts continue to remove the barriers facing musicians and crew touring between the EU and UK.
His response followed the conclusion of the UK/EU summit in London today (Monday) and the announcement of a wide-ranging agreement in a number of key areas including fishing, defence, food and passport checks.
Point 15 of the nine-page Common Understanding document deals with the issue of EU touring. It says:
“The European Commission and the United Kingdom recognise the value of travel and cultural and artistic exchanges, including the activities of touring artists. They will continue their efforts to support travel and cultural exchange.
Responding to the commitment, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “Commitments made to support cultural exchange for touring artists are an important first step on the road to what we hope will ultimately become a new deal between the EU and UK. Musicians and crew effectively suffered a “no deal Brexit” once the UK left the EU and it is high time this is tackled.
“Labour was elected on a manifesto to help touring artists and while we seek more concrete commitments, we welcome their efforts to ensure it is included in these important discussions.”
His comments were covered by:
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