Edinburgh’s arts and cultural festivals have lobbied ministers to introduce a more flexible visa system, fearing European artists could be barred from entering the UK after Brexit. Festivals Edinburgh, the umbrella body for 11 of the city’s arts and cultural festivals, met Caroline Nokes, the immigration minister, in London on Wednesday to lobby for more flexibility. At last year’s book festival Barley met David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, to discuss the issue. The British Council, the government-funded agency that promotes international cultural exchange, has become involved and has lobbied for changes. The Home Office said Nokes was meeting numerous arts organisations including Festivals Edinburgh as part of the government’s work on a new skills-based immigration system post-Brexit.

Source: The Guardian June 06, 2019 14:37 UTC