‘Help us or LSO fails’: Sir Simon Rattle’s plea over Covid and Brexit

As the orchestra prepares to welcome back live audiences, the conductor urges ministers to act on new touring rules in Europe

Sir Simon Rattle and his top team at the London Symphony Orchestra have appealed for government support to help them survive the difficulties created by Brexit and Covid.

The orchestra depended on international touring - much of it in Europe - for 40% of its revenue before the coronavirus, with tours cancelled by the pandemic.