Government must do more to prevent substantial damage to the UK’s creative industries in post-Brexit world, Lords Committee warns

After taking evidence from industry experts, the Committee has written to Lord Frost CMG, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, to raise a number of concerns on the impact on the creative industries due to the lack of provisions for touring under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The Committee heard that adjustment to the new rules is far from simple for the creative industries, that there is insufficient work within the UK to sustain performers’ careers, and that there is no capacity within the EU to pick up the specialist haulage work that can no longer be provided by UK hauliers, impacting the technical and logistical support needed for performances.

While noting the issues are complex, the Committee identified three main strands of engagement work needed from Government in order to support the industry’s adjustment to the post-Brexit world. Firstly, work that can only be done at UK-EU level, relating primarily to issues of cabotage and cross trade affecting the haulage industry, as well as certain visa waiver arrangements.

Secondly there are issues on visas and work permits, which can only be resolved bilaterally with each Member State. Finally, there is domestic work that falls entirely to the UK Government. This mainly concerns arrangements for creative professionals, support staff and hauliers coming to the UK to perform and tour.

The Committee says that a lasting solution to the challenges facing the industry can only come if all three strands are given equal attention.

The Committee also found a common perception among the witnesses that the Government lacked sufficient understanding of the issues facing the industry, and was concerned with the lack of Government engagement with the industry. By continuing to pursue headlines rather than deal with the very serious issues accurately and substantively, the Government is putting performers at risk and failing to take the decisions and steps necessary to support the creative industries.

Lord Kinnoull, Chair of the European Affairs Committee said:

“The creative industries are one of the UK’s most important export industries and a sector in which we excel, both in terms of our performers and musicians, and also the technical and logistical support for performances.

“The current position under the various Brexit Agreements impacts many creative professionals and the sector generally very severely, to the detriment of all concerned. The creative sector is important not just to the economies of the UK and other countries concerned but also the enjoyment and well being of people. Solving this is mutually beneficial to all.

“The complexity of the issues, means that many Whitehall ministries are involved and there is a large and vital coordination role for the Government as they seek solutions, some of which will need to be negotiated with the EU, some with Member States bilaterally and some will be unilateral moves by the UK. We urge the Government to work urgently with the EU and Member States, to find those mutually beneficial solutions. It is important that the Government rebuild trust with the creative industries and provide the support they need to adjust to the post-Brexit era.”