VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Musicians: EU Countries

Asked by Mr Gregory CampbellDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled Answered 1 July 2026UIN 13469

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to improve UK-EU cultural cooperation, particularly for UK based musicians wanting to perform in European destinations.

Answered by Ian Murray

As noted in the Common Understanding from the inaugural UK-EU Summit in May last year, the UK and EU are committed to cultural and artistic exchange, including through the activities of touring artists. This is a priority, as set out in the Government’s manifesto.

We continue to engage with the EU institutions and Member States, as well as music and arts industry stakeholders, to determine how to improve arrangements for artists who wish to perform across the European continent and to make the case for easements.

For instance, on 24 March, I co-chaired the first UK-European Commission High-Level Meeting on Culture with Commissioner Micallef (Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport) to support UK-EU cultural cooperation. I also attended an industry panel session at the European Parliament, hosted by MEPs Hannes Heide and Bogdan Zdrojewski in collaboration with the Cultural Exchange Coalition, focused on strengthening UK-EU cultural exchange, including removing barriers to cross-border touring.

We remain committed to securing improvements for our creative and cultural sectors and continuing to work closely with industry to ensure that these issues are clearly evidenced and understood.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim