Latest news with #BestforBritain
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Number of British acts playing at festivals in Europe plummets after Brexit
The number of British music acts performing at major European festivals has significantly decreased since Brexit, with an average fall of a quarter compared to pre-Brexit levels (2017-2019). Analysis of four major festivals, including Benicassim, Lollapalooza, Rock en Seine, and Roskilde, revealed Benicassim experienced the largest drop, with 58 per cent fewer British acts. Industry leaders and musicians, including Elton John, have highlighted that increased paperwork, red tape, and costs are creating a 'logistical nightmare' for touring artists. Organisations like Best for Britain, the Independent Society of Musicians, and UK Music warn that these barriers are damaging opportunities for artists, impacting the UK's £7.6bn music industry, and diminishing its cultural influence. There are urgent calls for the government to address these challenges and work with European partners to implement solutions, with Labour's manifesto also committing to sorting out issues for touring musicians.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Number of British acts at European music festivals plummets since Brexit
Elton John is among those who have warned that the UK's departure from the EU has caused a 'logistical nightmare' and placed 'leg irons' on travelling musicians. Last year he warned the issue risks jeopardising artists' futures and the UK's status as a cultural force, saying he was 'horrified'. Now new figures show fans in France, Spain, Germany and Denmark will miss out as the number of British acts on the bill in some of Europe's biggest festivals plummets. The analysis found that, on average, the number of British musicians who have played, or are scheduled to play, European festivals this summer has fallen by a quarter, compared to 2017-2019. The study looked at four major music festivals – Benicassim in Valencia, Lollapalooza in Berlin, Rock en Seine in Paris and Roskilde Festival in Denmark. Overall Benicassim saw the biggest drop, with 58 per cent fewer British acts taking to the stage in Spain, the analysis by Best for Britain found. Industry leaders and musicians have highlighted that increased paperwork and costs are still damaging opportunities, particularly to take up last-minute slots. At the same time, British venue operators have warned of their struggle to attract EU-based artists. Earlier this year hundreds of music industry professionals signed an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and the EU's Ursula von der Leyen calling for action. Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain, which campaigns for closer UK-EU ties, said: 'From legends like the Beatles, Queen and David Bowie, via Britpop stars Oasis and Blur, to modern icons like Amy Winehouse, Adele and Raye, Britain is world-famous for our incredible musical legacy – with live performances the lifeblood of the industry. 'Barriers for touring artists are bad news: for acts, audiences, and ultimately hurt the UK's vibrant £7.6bn music industry, meaning a further hit to our squeezed economy, not to mention the dimming effect on our soft power around the world. The government must urgently examine what scope there is to address these challenges - and work with our partners in Europe to implement solutions.' Deborah Annetts, the chief executive of the Independent Society of Musicians, said: ' Brexit is bad for UK musicians, European events and live music lovers across Europe. As this research shows, opportunities for emerging as well as much-loved acts are disappearing, which is a situation that cannot continue. 'Labour's election manifesto committed to sorting out the issues for touring musicians following Brexit.' UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl said: 'The rising costs and extra red tape involved in touring the EU post-Brexit is a huge challenge for the whole UK music eco-system, ranging from musicians and artists to technicians, engineers and crew.' Earlier this year the Independent also revealed t hat Brexit had created a 'mind blowing' 2bn extra pieces of paperwork - enough to wrap around world 15 times. Brexit is also on course to cut UK trade by 15 per cent, the government's independent financial watchdog has warned.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Votes for 16 year olds – what teachers think revealed with intriguing age split
Teachers are broadly in favour lowering the general election voting age but those 50s-plus are marginally against, a survey of over 9,000 shows They are arguably the best judge on 16-year-olds getting the vote but teachers are split on the issue – depending on their age. Teachers are broadly in favour but those 50s-plus are marginally against, a survey shows. It comes after it was revealed 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, under government plans. Critics may question the maturity of those that young helping decide who runs the country. But the move represents a win for supporters who think youngsters old enough to join the Army are ready for the responsibility. Sir Keir Starmer has described it as 'important' for 16 and 17-year-olds to have the vote. The PM highlighted how 'they're old enough to go out to work, they're old enough to pay taxes,' adding: 'I think if you pay in you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on.' And, overall, teachers are in favour of the move – with 47% either strongly or slightly agreeing the general election voting age should be 16. Only 38% disagreed, either strongly or slightly, and 15% neither agreed nor disagreed, according to a poll of over 9,000 teachers. But when the figures are looked at closely, a fascinating difference can be observed depending on teachers' age. Those in their 20s back the change 51% for to 35% against, with 30-somethings behind it 49% to 35%. Teachers in their 40s also support the move, 45% to 39%. But it is a different story for those aged 50s-plus. Though they are marginally opposed to it overall – 44% against compared to 43% backing – a gap opens up among those who feel most passionately. Among the 50-plus aged teachers who answered, 27% strongly disagreed. Teacher Tapp surveyed 9,626 secondary and primary teachers in England on 18 July on the statement 'The voting age for General Elections should be 16'. The results were weighted to reflect national teacher and school demographics. It comes after Labour 's manifesto last year pledged: 'We will increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy, by giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections.' And earlier this month, the government confirmed the move with Minister for Democracy Rushanara Ali declaring: 'By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy…' Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said the change was "a brave choice set to benefit generations to come". But in the Commons, Tory shadow communities minister Paul Holmes questioned: "Why does this Government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, or go to war, or even stand in the elections they're voting in?" The Greens and Lib Dems both welcomed the decision. The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1969. And 16-year-olds are already able to vote in Scottish and Welsh elections.
Belfast Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
British voters back closer ties with EU, polling suggests ahead of summit
The UK and EU will meet in London on Monday May 19 to discuss closer ties, as part of the Labour Government's attempt to reset relations with the trade bloc. Both Sir Keir Starmer and the EU have indicated they want to see closer defence ties ahead of the meeting. YouGov polling commissioned by pro-EU campaign group Best for Britain has indicated the British public would back this, with 69% of those polled in favour. The survey of 4,703 adults carried out between the end of March and start of April also found a majority, 53%, backed alignment on animal and plant standards, whereas only 21% were opposed. Maintaining the same food standards could eliminate costly checks on food products exported across the Channel. Voters also back a youth mobility scheme, the polling suggested, with 63% in favour and 17% opposed. Ministers are considering whether to agree such a scheme, which could see young Britons travel to the EU without restrictions to work and study, and vice versa. The Government has however indicated it would want a cap on numbers. Best for Britain's data also suggested the public are happy for ministers to go further in deepening ties with the EU. Some 52% of those polled said they would be happy to align on all EU rules on goods and products, while 71% were open to a common customs regulation approach. The polling – which was carried out before the local elections – also suggested Labour voters now considering Reform UK are also supportive of closer ties with the EU. Reform, which emerged from the Brexit Party, won a broad swathe of council seats from both Labour and the Tories in the local elections at the start of May. Some 72% of those who were polled and are considering switching their vote from Labour to Reform said they would however back a common customs approach with Europe. Andrew Lewin, Labour chairman of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said ministers needed to 'turn our focus back to the European Union' after striking trade deals with India and the US. The Welwyn Hatfield MP added: 'As our single largest trading partner, the economic prize on offer from a stronger partnership with the European Union is the biggest of all. 'Just 4% of people who voted Labour last July believe the deal currently being talked about 'goes too far.' A clear majority of voters who put my party in power are ready for a closer relationship with the European Union.' Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, said: 'Trade is about trade-offs and this polling shows the British people understand that. 'They support the Government being more ambitious in securing a common sense deal with the EU that removes technical barriers to trade which can bring down prices and boost growth across the UK.'
North Wales Chronicle
13-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
British voters back closer ties with EU, polling suggests ahead of summit
The UK and EU will meet in London on Monday May 19 to discuss closer ties, as part of the Labour Government's attempt to reset relations with the trade bloc. Both Sir Keir Starmer and the EU have indicated they want to see closer defence ties ahead of the meeting. YouGov polling commissioned by pro-EU campaign group Best for Britain has indicated the British public would back this, with 69% of those polled in favour. The survey of 4,703 adults carried out between the end of March and start of April also found a majority, 53%, backed alignment on animal and plant standards, whereas only 21% were opposed. Maintaining the same food standards could eliminate costly checks on food products exported across the Channel. Voters also back a youth mobility scheme, the polling suggested, with 63% in favour and 17% opposed. Ministers are considering whether to agree such a scheme, which could see young Britons travel to the EU without restrictions to work and study, and vice versa. The Government has however indicated it would want a cap on numbers. Best for Britain's data also suggested the public are happy for ministers to go further in deepening ties with the EU. Some 52% of those polled said they would be happy to align on all EU rules on goods and products, while 71% were open to a common customs regulation approach. The polling – which was carried out before the local elections – also suggested Labour voters now considering Reform UK are also supportive of closer ties with the EU. Reform, which emerged from the Brexit Party, won a broad swathe of council seats from both Labour and the Tories in the local elections at the start of May. Some 72% of those who were polled and are considering switching their vote from Labour to Reform said they would however back a common customs approach with Europe. Andrew Lewin, Labour chairman of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said ministers needed to 'turn our focus back to the European Union' after striking trade deals with India and the US. The Welwyn Hatfield MP added: 'As our single largest trading partner, the economic prize on offer from a stronger partnership with the European Union is the biggest of all. 'Just 4% of people who voted Labour last July believe the deal currently being talked about 'goes too far.' A clear majority of voters who put my party in power are ready for a closer relationship with the European Union.' Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, said: 'Trade is about trade-offs and this polling shows the British people understand that. 'They support the Government being more ambitious in securing a common sense deal with the EU that removes technical barriers to trade which can bring down prices and boost growth across the UK.'
