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Musicians: EU Countries

Asked by Dr Al PinkertonLiberal DemocratDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 25 June 2026UIN 10803

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce cabotage barriers affecting UK-based professional drivers supporting touring artists and performers in the EU.

Answered by Keir Mather

UK road transport companies, including specialist events hauliers and drivers supporting touring artists and performers, are permitted to undertake a limited number of cabotage and cross-trade movements in the EU.

The terms of these movements are governed by international agreements, including the UK‑EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), as well as the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) multilateral permit system, which provides additional but limited access.

While there are currently no plans to pursue sector-specific cabotage agreements, the Government engages regularly with international partners to explore opportunities to facilitate transport operations more broadly.

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