Culture minister Jeremy Wright will promise to support the UK’s broadcast industry during Brexit in a speech at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Wright is due to make his maiden speech to the industry since his appointment this afternoon.
In his keynote address, Wright is expected to reaffirm that the government will support the UK broadcasting and media industry in negotiations to ensure that the sector can “go from strength to strength.”
“Strong public service broadcasters mean a strong broadcasting sector as a whole,” Wright will tell the Festival. “They are vital in helping all broadcasters find talent, and one of the things I have heard loud and clear already is how important it is to find the right talent in this industry.
“I know that there is concern about how talent will be able to move between the UK and the EU after EU exit. Although you will understand that the final outcome is still subject to our future immigration system, I can say that the government well and truly understands how important mobility is for this sector.”
“As outlined in the recent White Paper, we are seeking to agree a framework for mobility with the EU. This will include reciprocal arrangements to allow UK nationals to visit the EU without a visa for short-term business reasons, with equivalent arrangements for EU citizens coming to the UK.
Addressing concerns about broadcasters’ ability to move equipment cross-border, Wright will say: “We are working on a broader accord with the EU on culture and education that will, among other things, allow for the temporary movement of goods for major events, tours, exhibitions, and productions. We understand the importance of retaining European Works Status for the sector and we were able to confirm this earlier in the year.
“I recognise, of course, that there are still issues to be resolved in this [EU exit] process and you have my assurance that I will make the case for the interests of this sector as we seek to resolve them. But regardless of our settlement with the EU, broadcasting will remain a vital part of what Britain offers the world. Because we have a broadcasting sector that’s really worth shouting about.”
