UK touring ensembles under threat due to Brexit transport ban

By Susan Nickalls

The Musicians' Union (MU) and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) have developed a joint response to a Department for Transport (DfT) Call for Evidence on ‘Support for UK specialist events hauliers operating in the EU under the Trade and Co-Operation Agreement (TCA).’

Concerns focus on ‘splitter vans’, which are a low-cost and accessible way for small and medium scale and emerging artists to tour. ‘Splitter vans’ allow both people and instruments/equipment to be transported in the same van and are an essential vehicle for many touring artists, but their use in the future has now been put into jeopardy due to Brexit.

While the call for evidence has been welcomed, the response from industry warns that the questionnaire and solutions proposed are insufficient for the entire sector and will have a serious impact on the music and creative industries if implemented.

The proposals in the TCA state that the use of a splitter van, ‘carrying both passengers and goods, would not be permitted’, because the transport of goods and the transport of people falls between two posts.

Without a solution, artists will be caught in the crossfire and see their ability to tour cost effectively ended.

The industry leaders make three main calls:

· For DfT to put in place a legal framework allowing vehicles to carry both passengers and goods for commercial use within the EU

· Provide a total exemption from cabotage and cross trade rules for vehicles that carry both passengers and equipment for the purpose of cultural performances, rehearsals and recordings

· The issues relating to splitter vans be put onto the agenda of the next meeting between Lord Frost and his EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic and the next Partnership Council meeting.

Dave Webster, MU National Organiser for Live Performance, said:

'The Department of Transport call for evidence that closes today places two options in front of the haulage industry as a potential solution to large scale touring. However, we believe these options will not cater for the needs of medium and small scale touring artists and bands. We have garnered support from across the music industry and the haulage industry for the arguments we set out in our response. We hope that Government will be listening and can respond with a workable and sustainable solution for all touring musicians."

Deborah Annetts, ISM Chief Executive, said: ‘These proposals will have a hurtful impact on the ability of small and medium scale touring artists as well as emerging musicians to tour in Europe. As representatives of musicians, we have come together to call on the Government to back proposals that will work for the creative industries. Those solutions cannot come soon enough so our artists and bands can begin to plan with confidence. As Covid-19 restriction ease, touring musicians should be looking forward to getting back out on the road, unless the Government comes up with answers, that ambition will prove impossible for many.’