EDINBURGH MP WELCOMES GOVERNMENT MOVE ON OVERSEAS PERFORMERS AT EDINBURGH FRINGE
Mark Lazarowicz MP, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North & Leith, has welcomed UK Government moves to ensure new immigration rules will not stop overseas entertainers performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Changes to the immigration rules, and the introduction later this year of a points-based system (PBS), had led to concerns that international performers would face thousands of pounds in charges to come to the event.
But following meetings between Scottish Secretary Des Browne and the Home Office, the UK Government has moved to ease these fears, announcing that temporary foreign workers attending festivals would be treated as visitors and will remain outside the PBS.
Mark said: “I warmly welcome this development which will ensure the Fringe can continue as the largest open access international arts festival in the world. I’m glad that the Home Office has responded to the concerns raised by Scottish MPs, including myself, and that the many visitors to the Fringe will continue to enjoy the performances of entertainers from around the world”.
For further comment and information please contact the office of Mark Lazarowicz MP on 020 7219 8222.
Website: www.marklazarowicz.org.uk
Constituency Office: 5 Croall Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HU
Tel: 0131-557-0577 Fax: 0131-557-5759