I recently hosted a roundtable discussion at the Albany in Deptford on the impact of Brexit on the creative industries. The event was well-attended by people from the creative industries in the constituency and included those working in music, dance, art, theatre and education.

The discussion was very informative and gave me an insight into the issues facing people working in the arts, both in Lewisham Deptford and across the UK, in the face of Brexit. We discussed the insecurity that is already being caused by the uncertainty of Brexit, as well as the damaging impact that leaving the EU, in particular the loss of freedom of movement, will have on creative workers and businesses.

We also considered what could be done to limit the damage of Brexit on those working in creative fields. The idea of remaining part of European programmes which provide funding and support to creative arts projects, or if not pressing the government to match them in domestic funding and support received a lot of enthusiasm. As did the possibility of developing a ‘creative passport’, a multi-entry visa which would allow for much easier access to the European market which was vital for those present.

Following on from the meeting I have now written to Jeremy Wright, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This letter outlined the concerns raised at the meeting and suggestions for how the government can do more to help protect those working in the creative industries as the UK moves towards leaving the European Union. The full letter can be found below.

If you live or work in the creative arts in Lewisham Deptford and are interested in being kept up to date with similar events in the future, please do send my office an email on vicky.foxcroft.mp@parliament.uk.