Significant developments have happened in the UK over the weekend in relation to the future of touring artists.
According to The Guardian, the UK is believed to have rejected a proposal that would have allowed artists from both the UK and EU countries to tour across the continent without visas as part of the ongoing Brexit negotiations.
The plan had proposed 90 days of visa-free travel for artists but is now believed to have been declined by the UK in favour of their own "immigration crackdown" which is likely to place "tough restrictions on tours by EU musicians" which will in turn affect UK artists.
As per the Independent, "From this month, they must, like non-EU artists, apply for visas – to visit for more than 30 days – as well as providing proof of savings and a sponsorship certificate from an event organiser".
READ MORE: Brexit Is Nearly Here But Do Australian Artists Need To Panic?
It's also believed that "the UK did ask for a similar 30-day exemption for its performers, but rejected 90 days – to fit with its own new rules".
The UK government has been swift to shift the blame back onto the EU, claiming it was Brussels that was "responsible for the damaging new red tape".
The move has already been condemned by artists like Radiohead's Thom Yorke who has called the UK government "spineless fucks" in a post to Twitter.
This news comes just weeks after it was flagged that "as of January 1, British artists may have to apply for, and secure, work visas for each EU country they intend to perform in when planning a European tour".
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It remains unclear how this move, as well as the wider Brexit negotiations, will affect Australian touring artists. Read our breakdown on the possible outcomes here.
