Culture Secretary criticised by musicians over Brexit tour deal

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has come under fire from musicians after announcing a new post-Brexit tour deal.

Dowden tweeted on Saturday (June 5) that the UK had taken an "ambitious approach in negotiation on touring artists," after finalising a deal to allow musicians, performers and support crews to tour more easily in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

READ MORE: 'Major flaws' in ministers' post-Brexit touring claims

The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess said "if it wasn't tragic, it would be funny", comparing Iceland's population to Wigan and Liechtenstein's population with Wilmslow.

The UK Government has been heavily criticised for its inaction since news emerged in January that it rejected visa-free touring during Brexit negotiations.