German punk band refused entry to UK in post-Brexit ‘nightmare’

A punk band from Germany claim they were refused entry to the UK for a seven-date UK tour due to confusing post-Brexit rules.

Trigger Cut, a three-piece band from Stuttgart, said they were turned away by the UK Border Force at Calais on last Thursday (6 April).

After having their passports confiscated, they were asked for a certificate of sponsorship (COS) from each of the venues they were due to play at.

They did not have the certificates and planned instead to enter under the permitted paid engagement (PPE) exemption.

Writing on Facebook, Ralph Schaarschmidt, the band's guitarist, said: “Months of planning, 1,750km of driving to Calais and back to Stuttgart, van hire costs, paid-for expensive customs declarations, ferry ticket – all for nothing.

"We are sitting in a deep dark hole emotionally right now, this is a nightmare … I’ve never felt so degrad[ed], sad and bad as I do today.”

Music agent Ian Smith, who campaigns to help artists work in the EU and UK, said artists are often refused entry to the UK from the EU because of post-Brexit requirements.

He said: “They are so bloody opaque and confusing.” 

A government spokesperson said musicians and performers are a "valued and important part of UK culture [which is why] we offer a dedicated immigration route for creative workers".

“All visa applications are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the immigration rules."