EU visa arrangements for creative workers

26 April 2021 - Press release

Lord Frost to face questions on Government failure to resolve barriers to creative work in the EU

Cabinet Office Minister, the Rt Hon Lord Frost, has agreed to appear before the DCMS Committee to provide answers on what the Government is doing to avoid ‘irreparable damage’ to the performing arts sector and related businesses.

The evidence session, to be held on Thursday 10 June, follows the Government’s failed negotiations on an agreement with the EU to enable visa-free travel and reduce practical and financial barriers to British creatives, crews and vehicles working in the EU.

DCMS Minister Caroline Dinenage gave evidence to MPs on this subject in February, however she was unable to provide detailed information about what action the Government had taken since.

In earlier correspondence Lord Frost had been invited by the DCMS Committee to explain how Ministers intended to resolve the issue before “irreparable damage is done to the sector and the relevant businesses forced to relocate to the EU”. MPs will also be seeking answers on why, as it had been reported, the Government appeared “content to allow this whole sector to suffer when the EU refused to accept the opening offer”.