The news that musicians have been left off the list of UK workers who qualify for visa-free travel in the EU is a huge blow for the industry (UK performers raise alarm as Brexit deal threatens EU touring, 29 December).
My experience is of the classical sector, but I imagine the situation is similar in other genres: when you’re building a reputation, you often barely break even on performances abroad. The post-Brexit imposition of visa fees, carnets, certification of the value of instruments and so on will mean that playing in Europe is simply not viable for many UK musicians. For classical musicians this is especially painful, because it is precisely in EU countries, with their long tradition of support for this music, that performers feel particularly valued. I hope that our government will look again at this situation and grant musicians the same visa-free access to Europe that many other professionals have been offered.
Susan Tomes
Edinburgh
• Parliament is to be allowed one day’s virtual debate on the EU trade deal. It is clear to whom this government feels sovereignty has returned, and it is not parliament.
Adrian Cosker
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
