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10 June 2022
UK government urged to ‘extend the
hand of friendship’ and waive visas for
Ukrainian orchestras
Kyiv Symphony Orchestra plays at the Palace of Culture in Dresden, Germany, with flags of Ukraine
stuck to their instruments. Picture: Alamy
By Sophia Alexandra Hall
@sophiassocials
The chief executive of the Association of British Orchestras has said it’s “morally
repugnant” that the UK government has not already waived visas for Ukrainian
orchestras invited to perform in Britain.
Earlier this week, a question was raised in the House of Commons during Prime
Minister’s questions by the MP for Worsley and Eccles South, Barbara Keeley,
who is also the Shadow Minister for Arts and Civil Society.
The Labour MP called for the government to waive visas for Ukrainian musicians
planning to tour the UK, naming the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra and the Kyiv
