Committee publication · Correspondence · 9 June 2026
Letter from Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, regarding major events evidence session follow-up, 3 June 2026
From: Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Inquiry: Major events
Summary
Minister Stephanie Peacock writes to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee following her oral evidence on 28 April 2026, providing detailed responses on three areas: UK–EU touring arrangements for artists (25 of 27 EU member states have clarified visa easements; the EC is exploring practical flexibilities); government support for deaf athletes through UK Deaf Sport funding (£1.2m grassroots, £150k talent inclusion post); and Department for Education engagement with the Hay Festival as part of the National Year of Reading campaign.
Key findings
- EU accounts for 44% (£526 million) of UK creative sector exports in 2023; 25 of 27 EU member states have clarified visa and work permit arrangements for UK touring artists.
- European Commission committed to exploring 'practical flexibilities' within the 90/180-day Schengen limit for touring artists, specialists and hauliers in their EU Visas Strategy.
- Government has provided £1.2 million to UK Deaf Sport for grassroots participation and £150,000 for a specialist Talent Inclusion post to explore accessibility solutions.
- Department for Education is delivering the National Year of Reading in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, with approximately 48 funders and 750 organisations supporting the campaign, including Hay Festival.
- UK–Spain Strategic Bilateral Framework discussions included touring as a first implementation step, positioning Spain as a 'crucial ally' in supporting EU-wide progress.
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Stephanie Peacock MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister Murray, Commissioner Micallef, Creative Exchange Coalition, UK Deaf Sport, Sport England, National Literacy Trust
Notable line
“… the EU is the largest importer of UK music, performing and visual arts sectors (accounting for 44%, or £526 million, of sector exports in 2023).”
Key Quotes
“… the EU is the largest importer of UK music, performing and visual arts sectors (accounting for 44%, or £526 million, of sector exports in 2023).”
“To date, 25 out of 27 Member States have clarified arrangements or introduced easements to allow visa and work permit free routes for UK performers for some short-term touring.”
“Supporting creative and cultural touring is a manifesto commitment of this government and we will continue to engage with the EU to make practical progress on this issue …”
“Sport England has also awarded UK Deaf Sport £150,000 to fund a specialist Talent Inclusion post to explore issues around accessibility and provide solutions to enable talented individuals …”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗