Betrayed’ artists offered only clearer guidance on ‘the bureaucracy involved’ in performing in EU, The Independent learns – not a solution.

If the coronavirus pandemic does not critically damage the British and European music industry, the effect of Brexit may finish it off.

Labour MP says government ‘cocked up’ negotiations on touring and is ignorant of the value of music to the economy.

"This announcement has done nothing to correct the misleading information from August"

Major artists have joined several UK music industry bodies in calling on the government for an alternative to Brexit.

Reports suggest a ‘standard’ proposal to exempt British performers from escalating costs for 90 days was turned down because the Government didn’t want to offer European performers the same deal when they visit the UK.

Musician's Union, Music UK and National Union of Journalists have signed the letter

A new survey by the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union has revealed how performers are considering moving to Europe or changing career due to the extra costs of touring after Brexit. One even said: ‘It seems a complete nightmare…As it is, we see no way to recover our pre-Brexit working schedule making survival very difficult’.

Brexit has caused sadness far and wide, but for very many musicians who are only just beginning to emerge from the Covid-induced touring dearth, Brexit has been a disaster. A survey conducted by musicians in 2021 revealed that 34 per cent of musicians had already lost work as a result of Brexit. A violinist said, “I am professionally paralysed by Brexit.”

Optimism and opportunity for UK bands in Europe post-Covid continues to be thwarted by the on-going shadow of Brexit touring restrictions. Two years on, and the UK government continues to do nothing. / "Most of the progress has been made by the industry itself, rather than the government, while the government tries to steal the credit for it."

Lawyers have identified five false claims made by ministers for refusing to strike a deal to rescue visa-free touring of the EU, leaving performers with crippling new costs and red tape.