A list of some of the most significant British artists and representatives of UK music organisations - from the pop, rock and classical sectors - have signed a letter to The Times today saying 'British musicians, dancers, actors and their support staff have been shamefully failed by their government'.

The letter argues that additional rules and bureaucracy caused by Britain's departure from the EU, such as the differing requirements in EU member states for work permits, 'will make many tours unviable, especially for young emerging musicians who are already struggling to keep their heads above water owing to the Covid ban on live music'.

Concluding, the list of signatories - which opens with Roger Waters, Sir Simon Rattle, Dame Sarah Connolly, Sir George Benjamin, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Nicola Benedetti, Steven Isserlis and Stephen Hough - 'urge the government to do what it said it would do and negotiate paperwork-free travel in Europe for British artists and their equipment', and calls on this to be reciprocal. The UK doesn't require visiting artists from the EU to have work permits to perform for up to 30 days, while some EU member states allow longer permit-free periods, and some none at all. You can read the letter in The Times here: 

Meanwhile, the Incorporated Society of Musicians has launched a new service offering its member a free 30 minute telephone consultation for advice on visa and work permits, run in partnership with Viva La Visa, to help them understand and comply with the immigration rules of each member state. It also publishes guidance - available to everyone - on its website.

The ISM has also reiterated its call on the UK Government 'to deliver on its commitment to frictionless work travel for musicians by negotiating a reciprocal agreement with the EU, which allows UK performers to undertake up to 90 days paid work in all EU countries, with the same provisions for EU performers working in the UK'.

ISM Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts said: ‘We recognise the significant need for clear advice for our members who are working in the EU. International touring represents an essential part of many musicians’ livelihoods, with 44 per cent of musicians earning up to half of their income in the EU before the pandemic.'