Government outlines plans for cultural sector following Brexit

A government blueprint for the UK’s future relationship with the EU has emphasised the importance of the “continued mobility of talented individuals” and proposes a new culture agreement that allows the UK to participate in European programmes.

The white paper describes mobility as a “key element of economic, cultural and scientific cooperation”.

Regarding culture specifically, the paper says the UK attaches importance to the “continued mobility of talented individuals and groups”. It says the UK and EU will need “provisions that allow mobility” for areas including culture, such as allowing musicians to perform at concerts.

The UK, it states, will always be a country that “advocates cultural diversity as part of its global identity and is committed to ensuring its support of European culture”.

It proposes a “culture and education accord” that provides for UK participation in EU programmes and “allows UK institutions to be partners, associates or advisers” to EU projects and vice versa.

The paper adds that the UK would want a deal that allows for the “temporary movement of goods for major events”.

In addition, it will explore continued involvement in Creative Europe. A recent report found that, since 2014, €74 million has been awarded to 334 UK-based organisations and companies under this programme.

Responding to the white paper, the Creative Industries Federation said the decision to seek a culture and education accord with the EU was welcome, but warned that more detail was needed, particularly in relation to future immigration rules.

“It is one thing to permit people to come to the UK, but it is quite another to ensure they are valued and able to contribute to our creative industries,” it added.

Chief executive John Kampfner said the announcement was “a step in the right direction” that showed the government was “listening to the fastest growing sector of the UK economy”.

“However, we urge the government to clarify its position in a number of areas to ensure we exit the EU with the best possible deal for this sector.” he added.

Equity responded to the paper, stating that the government “must ensure that entertainment industry workers are able to work across the EU post-Brexit with minimum administrative burdens”. It said negotiation of an EU wide working visa for the entertainment sector should be “an urgent priority”.