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<p>In negotiations, the EU tabled a proposal for a permanent visa waiver for short
stays covering UK and EU nationals. This drew on bilateral agreements they have with
some other third countries, such as Columbia, Peru and the UAE. Accepting a permanent
short stay visa waiver for all current and future EU Member States was not, and is
not, compatible with our manifesto commitment to take back control of our borders.</p><p>This
proposal was accompanied by a Joint Declaration intended to direct those Member States
who currently require short stay visas for “paid activities” to waive that requirement
for “artists performing an activity on an ad-hoc basis”. This offer would not have
addressed the creative and cultural industries’ concerns. It did not include touring
but only ‘ad hoc’ performances, did not cover accompanying support and technical staff
and did not deal with the issue of work permits at all.</p><p>On the other hand, our
proposals, which were developed with input from the creative and cultural sectors,
would have allowed artists to tour in the UK and the EU more easily. The UK proposed
to capture the work done by musicians, artists and entertainers, and their accompanying
staff, through the list of permitted activities for short-term business visitors under
the Mode 4 Chapter of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This would have enabled
musicians and other creative professionals to travel and perform in the UK and the
EU without needing work-permits, for up to 90 days in any 6 month period. Regrettably,
these proposals were repeatedly rejected by the EU.</p><p>The Government recognises
the importance of touring for our world-leading cultural and creative sectors. We
are establishing a Working Group, with sector representatives and government departments,
with a view to assisting those in the cultural and creative sectors to work as confidently
as possible in the EU.</p><p> </p>
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