Deidre Brock MP has slammed the UK government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy after a dozen authors who were planning to attend this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival have had their visas refused.
The MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, where the annual book festival is held, said the very real fear is that visiting artists will begin to think it isn’t worth the significant hassle to visit the festival.
Deidre Brock MP said: “Edinburgh welcomes the world in August – people meet, mix, explore ideas, share stories and learn from each other, but it seems the Home Office wants to close the door.
“Organisers and artists are finding increasing difficulties in getting visas for performers, particularly from areas of the world like the Middle East. My fear is that many will simply choose not to try any more, and we’ll all be poorer for it; Edinburgh’s festivals will be damaged by London’s ‘hostile environment’ attitude to visas.
“Home Office bureaucrats say performers won’t go home to their friends, families and jobs after the festival despite no evidence that this has ever been an issue. You have to ask why they think highly acclaimed artists would throw away their careers and leave their family and friends to live as illegal immigrants.
“Brexit and the end of free movement will make it even more difficult to keep the festivals truly global and true to the spirit that has made them so successful. Edinburgh urgently needs the UK Government to rethink its visa policies and help make sure Edinburgh’s festivals remain a fantastic global showcase of the arts and of Scotland’s international appeal.”
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