'Deeply worried' – Head of UK Music Expresses Brexit Concerns in Letter to Theresa May
Michael Dugher, CEO of industry representative body UK Music, has written to Prime Minister Theresa May outlining concerns about the Brexit withdrawal agreement.
Dugher says that he is ‘deeply worried’ that the organisation’s concerns remain unaddressed, and is advocating for a post-Brexit transitional phase to ‘avoid a cliff-edge’. In the letter, dated 26 November, Dugher quotes figures from the recent Measuring Music report, saying ‘the UK music industry contributed £4.5 billion to the economy last year and enjoyed a 7% growth in export generation. The sector also employs 145,815 people.’ It states that live music contributes £1 billion to the economy, having grown 49% since 2012.
Dugher’s letter outlines three areas of principal concern: freedom of movement of goods, copyright legislation and, in particular, freedom of movement of people.
Brexit is likely to have a serious impact on touring musicians and crews, and risks our ability to grow audiences, and limits millions of fans not being able to see their favourite UK acts… We desperately need a reciprocal system that supports temporary short-term permissions and exemptions for musicians and crews – both for those coming to the UK and those performing in the EU – to keep our touring industry vibrant and thriving.
Dugher also highlights the impact of tariffs on goods such as musical instruments and recording equipment, and the need to guarantee protection of current copyright law, which is based on EU Directives.
Read the full letter at www.ukmusic.org.
