Dowden doubles down in Brexit blame game

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has doubled down on blaming the EU for new permit requirements for travelling musicians, saying the Government "fought to get a good deal for British music".

But Dowden's letter does not actually clarify whether the UK rejected an offer of 90 days' visa-free touring in the EU. 

Such an offer is standard for third party countries. Dowden writes that the UK pursued a "bespoke" arrangement. 

"But the EU turned it down, repeatedly. It did not propose and wouldn’t accept a tailored deal for musicians and artists. I’m afraid it was the EU  letting down music on both sides of the Channel – not us.

“This outcome is regrettable but it doesn’t have to be final. Our door is still open, should the EU change its mind."