They are warning political leaders that the current arrangements for UK acts touring the EU and EU acts touring the UK are “not working” and are depriving millions of music fans of the chance to see their favourite acts perform live. 

Backed by thousands of people working across the UK and EU music industries, an open letter to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has been organized by the Musicians’ Union, the Association of British Orchestras, LIVE, Pearle*, the Independent Society of Musicians and UK Music. 

The open letter – which has more than 550 signatories from organisations and individuals - outlines how the barriers of soaring costs and red tape means “audiences, artists and venues in the EU and UK are missing out on the enormous benefits which closer cultural exchange would bring”.