While visas for musicians and youth mobility schemes are being used as negotiating tools between the UK and the EU, the reality is that musicians' livelihoods, and young people's futures, are at stake. 

Last night, the FT reported that internal briefing documents at the European Commission stated that post-Brexit curbs on UK touring musicians will not be loosened. This will come as a bitter blow to thousands in the sector.  

"Our industry is slowly dying. And I don't know what to do."  

(Image: Shutterstock)

Rachel Nicholls is one of the UK's leading opera singers. Before the UK left the EU, she would do 5 to 10 jobs in Europe every year.  

"I think we're now out of the equation in terms of working in Europe and, although I'm freelance and British, up until Brexit I was working more in Europe than I was here.

"Since leaving the EU, I've had one job there. One." 

You can hear Rachel tell her story - alongside others affected in the industry - here. It comes as new research suggests almost 60% of UK musicians now say they can't tour in the EU. 

Our campaign, Face The Music, urges the government to address the plight of musicians and other artists trying to work and tour in the EU. Labour pledged back in May, before being elected, to 'fix the European touring crisis,' by negotiating, 'an agreement on touring visas'.

Our petition can be seen here. 

Dr Mike Galsworthy, Chair of European Movement UK, said: 

"The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, cannot get something for nothing in his EU negotiations. We really need him to be more ambitious on this front and open up conversations about mobility in general, which is what the British public want to see.  

“Remember, it's not just musicians, it's theatre groups, fashion photographers, dancers, comedians and British culture in all of its wonderful dimensions. Brexit has boxed them in and it's time to tear down these walls. 

“To tear down walls, the government should also be prepared to discuss a youth mobility deal with the EU. Our young people need this and the UK can’t just shut down an EU ask whilst expecting the EU to give the UK what we want. That’s not the way negotiations work.” 

At a glance: 

• 75% of musicians in a recent survey by the Musicians' Union said that their EU touring bookings had declined.  

• The music sector of the UK creative industry accounts for over £10bn in revenue. Curtailing freedom of movement for our musicians has been devastating.  

• 59% of musicians said that touring the EU was no longer financially viable. Visa waivers and musician passports were offered in the original Brexit agreement by the EU but rejected by the Conservative Government. 

Hand-in-hand with the music sector, we will continue to campaign for the UK Government to Face the Music and find a solution to the issues facing musicians who want and need to tour Europe after Brexit.