Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has doubled down on blaming the EU for new permit requirements for travelling musicians, saying the Government "fought to get a good deal for British music".
But Dowden's letter does not actually clarify whether the UK rejected an offer of 90 days' visa-free touring in the EU.
Such an offer is standard for third party countries. Dowden writes that the UK pursued a "bespoke" arrangement.
"But the EU turned it down, repeatedly. It did not propose and wouldn’t accept a tailored deal for musicians and artists. I’m afraid it was the EU letting down music on both sides of the Channel – not us.
“This outcome is regrettable but it doesn’t have to be final. Our door is still open, should the EU change its mind."
Published: 13-01-2021