Scottish Parliament Committee calls for improved UK-EU trade arrangements

Following an earlier inquiry on the trade in goods between the UK and EU after Brexit, the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee has published a new report on the UK EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) focusing on the issues faced by service providers – such as lawyers, architects and vets – young people looking to study, work or volunteer in another country, and musicians and other artists wanting to tour in Europe.

The report also includes an ask of the Scottish Government to consider creating a Music Export Office to provide financial support for Scots artists.

The report is published ahead of the EU- UK Summit, where the UK Government and representatives of the EU institutions will meet to discuss developing the UK-EU relationship including in relation to trade.

Committee Convener, Clare Adamson said: “Following Brexit, it is much more challenging for people to travel to the EU for business and for young people to access opportunities to work and study there – with visa requirements and the processes and costs of securing individual country visas creating a barrier.

“The UK Government and the EU should agree improved arrangements regarding business mobility, youth mobility and mobility of touring artists, with further discussions around mutual recognition agreements and youth mobility schemes to follow.”

The report follows a series of evidence sessions where the Committee heard from legal experts, academics, economists, business organisations and touring artists.

As part of its report, the Committee is calling on the UK Government and EU to act on the performance industry’s concerns. It also asks for the Scottish Government to consider exploring the business case for a Music Export Office, to bolster support for the industry by providing investment for artists at the start of their careers.