Select committee: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Conclusion 9
First Report - The future of UK music festivals
Published 29 May 2021
Paragraph 62
Addressed to Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee The future of UK music festivals All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
The UK-EU trade and co-operation deal threatens not only the vibrancy of the UK’s festivals but the music industry as a whole. The cost and complication of moving people and equipment between the UK and EU will make it less attractive for bands from overseas to play at the UK’s festivals, and will limit the chances for UK artists and crews to build audiences and contacts at European festivals. We are not aware of any progress having been made to resolve the issues arising from the deal, and will continue to put pressure on the Government by questioning the Secretary of State, DCMS Ministers and the Rt Hon Lord Frost CMG.
From: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, First Report - The future of UK music festivals (HC 49), paragraph 62, 29 May 2021
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 17 August 2021.
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government welcomes the report and sets out a response to each recommendation, with an insurance scheme in place of the Committee's proposals, a commitment to explore environmental licensing objectives, and no support for front-of-house drug testing.
- On insurance, the government announced a Live Events Reinsurance Scheme, saying it "should also address" the call to extend the Events Research Programme, which it describes as "science-led".
- On environmental objectives, it "agrees with the Committee" on supporting festivals' emissions pledges, and says DCMS "will work closely with DEFRA and MHCLG to explore" the licensing proposal "over the coming months".
- On drug checking, it is "unable to support the use of front-of-house testing until further assessments are carried out", while continuing to support back-of-house testing of seized substances.
- On monthly reporting on EU touring, the government considers working closely with the creative industries "the most appropriate channel" for updates, and says 19 of 27 Member States have confirmed no visas or work permits are needed for short-term tours.