MIDDLEWICH’s MP has signed a pledge to protect the visa requirements of musicians.

At a parliamentary event with the creative industries sector, awareness was raised of the need for performers to tour and trade easily following Brexit.

Fiona Bruce MP signed a pledge from the Musician’s Union to call on the government to ensure musicians and performers can tour in Europe with minimum administrative restrictions.

She said: “This is not just a theoretical issue. I have heard in my surgeries from constituents who are concerned that Brexit may hinder their opportunity to work short term abroad.

“I pledged my support for professional musicians and performers in my constituency and urged government to ensure that they can continue to be able to travel easily across Europe post-Brexit.”

Most professional musicians rely on touring and travelling for their careers at often short notice, so the introduction of work permissions or visas could be detrimental.

Horace Trubridge, Musician’s Union general secretary, said: “British musicians have long enjoyed easy access to touring in Europe.

“We know from touring in the US and elsewhere that visas and other restrictions impose significant costs and administration, and occasionally considerable financial loss.

“We are all on MPs and the government to help secure a deal that will ensure ease of movement for touring and performing post-Brexit.”