Safeguarding UK music and supporting musicians

Wales is known as a land of music, from the sound of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ringing out at the Principality to the the countless local choirs and bands that thrive across our communities, but the ability of musicians to have a sustainable career and the future of the live music industry is under threat.

The music industry alone is worth £5.8 billion to the UK economy, employing thousands of people from musicians to technicians to venue staff. But the UK government's determination to pursue a Brexit that pleased some of their own backbenchers not one that safeguarded the UK economy has created layers of red tape, burdening performers and businesses with additional barriers and costs.

As part of my role as a member of the Petitions Committee I had the opportunity speak with people from across the music industry to discuss a petition calling for the government to seek a Europe-wide visa-free work permit for touring professionals and artists.

Ian Smith, told me he founded UKEartswork in response to the lack of clear information for UK creatives about post Brexit travel and work arrangements. 

We already know that the government turned down a proposal in EU exit talks to exempt performers from getting work permits for 90 days post Brexit but the evidence we heard emphasised how ill prepared the government was for the new arrangements it signed up to.

​For all their talk of a Global Britain this government risks irreparably damaging our world leading cultural sector through inaction. 

You can support the Musicians' Union campaign calling for the government to support musicians to continue working across the EU by signing their petition, and if you're a musician in Gower who has been impacted by the government's inaction please get in touch.