Members of the band Trigger Cut were stopped at the UK border trying to enter the country for a tour Photo: Reproduction/Stimulation cut on Facebook
British fans of German punk band Trigger Cut were unable to catch the group’s scheduled shows in the UK this week. Members say changes in post-Brexit rules, the country’s departure from the European Union, prevented musicians from entering the country last Thursday (6).
“The first attempt to tour there was a disaster for us and we incurred huge expenses that were not reimbursed. The same is true now,” the band said in a Facebook post. “We will not make a third attempt to tour there. The pain and shame run deep.”
The group characterized the treatment they received as “disgraceful”. We were handed over to the French border police like criminals, they said. They say they have all the necessary documents, but the British authorities have demanded certificates issued by the seven clubs they play for.
The band, which said they were unaware of such documents, planned to enter the country with a permit that would allow musicians to stay in the UK for up to a month if a client called. According to British newspaper The Guardian, it’s a cheaper alternative to the currently required certificate of sponsorship — more expensive and bureaucratic, but considered safer by authorities.
“The need for visas, passbooks and all sorts of bureaucracy means that popular artists would find it impossible to tour Europe,” Tim Burgess, lead singer of British rock band The Charlatans, told the Guardian of what he considers the damage caused by Brexit. “It’s already tough for touring bands, with rising costs and declining revenues hurt by streaming.”
Music agent Ian Smith called the new rules “opaque and confusing” and told a British newspaper that every month he learns of cases of artists unable to enter the UK after the country leaves the European Union. “Border officials can use their discretion to refuse anyone they want, there is no right to appeal,” he said.
Before Brexit, in 2020, Europeans from all member states can enter and live in the United Kingdom regardless of visas or work permits. After Brexit was approved under the government of now-former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britons were free to adopt their own legislation on the matter – and the rules became tougher.
A government spokesman told the Guardian that all visa applications are carefully assessed against immigration rules. “The application process is designed to ensure that all visa decisions are made using the most accurate and fair information for all applicants,” he said.
“Thanks again to Boris, Brexit and the incompetent UK border police,” the band said on Facebook.
(Folhapress)
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