UK Music has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver on Labour’s commitment to remove barriers facing British musicians and performers touring in the European Union.
UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl used the organisation’s summer party to call on the Government to improve touring arrangements for artists, crews and music businesses working across Europe.
In a post on X, UK Music quoted Kiehl as saying:
“I urge Andy Burnham to stand by Labour’s manifesto commitment to tear down barriers to EU touring, and we will work with his government to make sure that is delivered.”
The organisation said Kiehl had called on the new Prime Minister to remove obstacles to European touring during his speech at the event.
The issue has been a major concern for the music industry since Britain left the European Union, with artists and touring crews facing additional paperwork, transport restrictions and other administrative costs when working across multiple European countries.
Smaller and emerging artists have often been particularly affected because additional costs associated with international touring can be harder to absorb.
For the industry, access to European audiences is also important for building fan bases, developing careers and supporting the wider network of venues, promoters, technicians and other businesses that depend on live music.
UK Music is now pressing the Burnham Government to turn Labour’s manifesto commitment into practical changes that make it easier for British performers to work across Europe.
The organisation has indicated that it is ready to work with ministers on the detail of any new arrangements.
The call comes as Labour seeks to strengthen Britain’s relationship with European partners while supporting creative industries that contribute significantly to jobs, exports and economic growth.
For UK Music, reducing barriers to touring would help ensure British artists can compete internationally while giving musicians at the beginning of their careers greater opportunities to reach new audiences.
Kiehl’s intervention puts EU touring firmly on the Government’s agenda, with the music industry now looking to Burnham to deliver the changes Labour promised.
