The UK’s creative sector lost £208 million and 2,490 jobs between 2022 and 2024 as a result of Brexit, figures published by the Department For Digital, Culture, Media And Sport (DCMS) show.The Economic Benefits Of Touring And The Impact Of EU Exit report indicates that reduced European touring by British musicians cost EU member state economies an estimated £1.04 billion. The study highlighted that smaller and mid-scale touring had been "disproportionately affected".The DCMS report suggested that easing touring barriers through policy or regulatory changes could "generate a range of economic and cultural gains for both sides".The DCMS report suggested that easing touring barriers through policy or regulatory changes could ‘generate a range of economic and cultural gains for both sides’ (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)It said evidence suggested that reduced touring activity as a result of the UK’s departure from the EU had “implications for workforce sustainability, cultural exchange, audience development and future export growth across both the UK and EU”.Dave Webster, head of international at the Musicians’ Union, Tom Kiehl, the chief executive of UK Music, and Anita Debaere, director of Pearle live performance Europe, said: “This report clearly shows that touring by UK artists and companies across the EU delivers significant economic and cultural value for both sides.“In challenging times, culture can be a bridge – an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes. We urge the UK Government and European institutions to secure practical solutions for the creative industries and cultural sector at the next UK/EU Summit.”The trio issued the statement on behalf of the Cultural Exchange Coalition, which is made up of creative businesses, trade bodies and cultural organisations from across the UK and EU and calls for practical action to help British artists tour across Europe.John Mottram, chief of strategy, communications and public affairs officer at PRS For Music – a royalty collection society for songwriters, composers and music publishers, said the Government needed to take action following the report, which was underpinned by PRS data.Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon MusicSign up now for a 30-day free trial. Terms apply.Try for freeADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.He said: “Behind these figures are real people, songwriters and composers who are being held back by costly red tape, missing out on chances to connect with new audiences, progress their careers and earn a living from performances across Europe.“We now call on the UK Government to redouble its efforts and deliver on its manifesto commitment to make it easier for UK artists to tour in the EU.“This would help creators earn a living, bring real value back into the economy and create thousands of jobs across the touring industry.”Speaking to the society’s M Magazine earlier this year, rock duo Nova Twins said Brexit had made touring Europe “a complete mess”.
Brexit cost creative sector £208m and thousands of jobs, figures show
The study highlighted that smaller and mid-scale touring had been ‘disproportionately affected’
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