Sadiq Khan weighs in on touring visas

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has given his verdict on the EU touring visa debate, writing to the Culture Secretary to share his concerns.

In the open letter, Khan says the failure to reach an agreement with the EU on free movement for artists "will have a significant impact on London and the UK's creative economy".

"The UK Government must work with the EU to create a simple system free of unnecessary bureaucracy.

"Britain’s world-leading cultural institutions are key to our economy as well as to our reputation and soft power across the world. The capital’s world-class culture is the reason four out of five visitors come here.

"This issue is critical for the recovery of our cultural institutions and freelance workforce when the arts reopen after the pandemic. I urge the UK Government to work with the EU to deliver a workable solution now."