Concerns were raised that the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement has made it significantly harder for artists, especially smaller touring acts and our national performing companies, to reach audiences, collaborate internationally, and generate income. Scotland never voted for Brexit, yet our cultural sector is paying the price.

The Cabinet Secretary confirmed that:

• The lack of cultural mobility provisions in the TCA is holding artists back.

• He has repeatedly pressed the UK Government to prioritise an agreement on cultural mobility in upcoming negotiations and within TCA review structures.

• He has urged UK Ministers to rejoin programmes like Creative Europe, which play a vital role in cross-border cultural exchange.

• He agreed that only as an independent European nation could Scotland fully regain the benefits and freedoms that support our creative sector.

You can watch my question and the Cabinet Secretary’s full response in the video below.