TOM ARTHUR MSP SUPPORTS THE FREE MOVEMENT FOR MUSICIANS CAMPAIGN

TOM ARTHUR MSP supports the Free Movement for Musicians campaign.

Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South has highlighted the concerns of working musicians across the length and breadth of Scotland who are concerned about the disastrous impact Brexit could have on the Scottish music sector.

SNP MSP Tom Arthur, launched the Free Movement for Musicians campaign at the Scottish Parliament in conjunction with the Musicians’ Union ahead of his Members Debate on Brexit’s impact on working musicians and Scotland’s music industries.

The campaign has been welcomed by a variety of artists, including The Proclaimers, Deacon Blue front man Ricky Ross and Pat Kane of Hue and Cry.  Singer-songwriter Rab Noakes said: “There is no clarity regarding such things as cross-border conditions, visas and work permits. In fact, there seems to be not an iota of thought given to such employment or trade and certainly no regard for existing cultural advantages. It is absolute madness, and absolutely maddening.”

This view is echoed by the Musicians’ Union who warn that Brexit will usher an era of devastating decline for Scotland’s flagship cultural festivals and state that “Being able to tour and travel to work is vital to many musicians’ careers – and before the EU gave us free movement in its member states, travelling in Europe was tough, expensive, heavy on the admin, and time-consuming.”

Commenting Tom said:

“Brexit poses a significant threat to the careers of musicians and the wider Scottish music industries. I was pleased to have the opportunity to highlight these concerns in the Scottish Parliament.

“This is a huge issue for the music sector and I have confirmed my support for musicians in my constituency and across Scotland.

“I welcome the Musicians’ Union campaign and I will continue to urge the UK Government to protect the interests of working musicians in Scotland, by retaining freedom of movement through continued membership of the single market.”