36 Acknowledged

While it may not shift the dial on the UK’s economic growth prospects, addressing the...

Conclusion
While it may not shift the dial on the UK’s economic growth prospects, addressing the barriers that make it difficult for UK performers to tour in the EU could make a significant difference to that sector, have a positive cultural impact, and provide a boost to “soft power” for the UK. We support the Government’s efforts to reduce hurdles that touring artists face in the EU and share the ambition of securing more concrete commitments to that effect at the next summit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 102)
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's support for its efforts to facilitate artist mobility and outlines ongoing work, including the Youth Experience Scheme and discussions with the EU, to secure arrangements for short-term, multi-country tours for artists.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government welcomes the Committee’s recommendations to expand cooperation with the EU on professional qualifications, business mobility, and cultural engagement. We are fully committed to strengthening our economic ties with the EU, our largest trading partner, to deliver jobs, growth and lower prices across the UK. The UK and the EU agreed a Common Understanding that committed both sides to enhance engagement on mobility. This includes a Youth Mobility Scheme to help young people to live, study and work in the UK and EU. This will allow young people to gain invaluable life experience and bolster our international links with our closest neighbours. On professional qualifications, the Government is engaging actively with the EU to enhance business mobility and to remove trade barriers for professionals. Since the Summit, the UK has agreed a MoU on professional qualifications with Switzerland, and is currently negotiating similar agreements with Canada and Australia. The Government is also exploring options to boost mobility for professionals with the EU and hopes to deliver a positive outcome from these negotiations. The Government has always been clear that we will not return to the principle of free movement with the EU. The Government remains fully committed to supporting the UK’s world-class cultural sector, and is actively working with the EU to facilitate the mobility of artists and creative professionals, including through the new Youth Experience Scheme. This will provide new opportunities to enhance the UK’s cultural influence and soft power in Europe. This includes regular discussions with the European Commission and Member States to identify and remove specific barriers for touring professionals. The Government has been clear in its objectives throughout these discussions, including the need to agree arrangements that facilitate short-term, multi-country tours across the EU for artists and creative professionals without the need for costly visas or complex administrative requirements. This Government is confident that through continued engagement with the EU, we will deliver a positive outcome for the UK’s cultural sector, helping it to unlock its full potential.
Addressee Bodies
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.4 yrs
Report published 04 Mar 2026