UK waives visa fees for Ukrainian Proms musicians
NewsThe Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has said visa fees will not be charged for the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, which is due to perform at the BBC Proms on July 31.
The orchestra, conducted by the Ukrainian-Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson (pictured), was facing visa charges of £18,000 until Labour MP Barbara Keeley raised a Question to the Prime Minister and Ms Patel grudgingly backed down.
I would hope these exorbitant visa fees would also be suspended for any other visiting orchestras and not just for the Proms). Given what orchestral musicians get paid, it is a terrible disincentive to visiting Britain.
Yes. But at least Brexit got done.
Patel one of the most odious women on the planet
And where was the Minister of Culture in this process? Probably asleep…