Musicians have joined forces with concert hauliers to urge Boris Johnson to ensure the survival of the events haulage industry amid new post-Brexit trade restrictions.
In a letter to the prime minister, the group, which includes luminaries from the music industry, said he needed to secure a “cultural easement” to allow UK firms to continue to take tours across the EU.
They warned that the industry, which contributes £70bn a year to the UK economy, faces ruin otherwise.
The letter points out the unworkable new cabotage and cross trade rules, which restrict GB-registered trucks to three stops in Europe before having to return home.
It said this would stop the delivery of European concert tours and other musical performances.
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “If the UK events haulage industry is to have any chance of survival it needs an EU-wide easement so that trucks moving touring equipment can continue to make multiple stops across Europe.”
Mark Pemberton, representing the Association of British Orchestras, said the cabotage limits threatened to kill orchestra touring: “A typical tour might involve multiple concerts in one country, followed by concerts in another, meaning a limit of two laden journeys within the EU makes using a UK-registered vehicle impossible,” he said.
“But with orchestras often using their own trucks, kitted out at vast expense to protect fragile and high-value instruments, with humidity and temperature controls, it simply isn’t an option to use an EU-based commercial haulier either.”
Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood has also added his voice to the group: “The new bureaucracy could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of British citizens who make the UK events industry a success story,” he said.
“Live music is a vital part of our country’s economy.
“It’s important that the government offers support by helping haulage operators deal with the new documentation following Brexit, including the new European driving permits, new customs permits that they’re going to need, and all the new red tape.”
The signatories also called for short-term financial support for concert hauliers, as well as a grants option for firms to set up bridgehead operations in the EU until easements are agreed.
