Climber Hannah Smith in action. Photo: Craig Bailey

The company behind two major outdoor brands is urging the public to support moves to allow professional climbers and mountaineers to travel more easily in the European Union.

Rab and Lowe Alpine is asking outdoor enthusiasts to sign a petition to the UK Government to work towards visa-free travel.

After the UK’s departure from the EU, its nationals are only allowed 90 days’ travel in 180 days within the 27 member states.

Equip Outdoor Technologies, which owns the two brands, said: “Having our roots in the mountains, we at Rab and Lowe Alpine firmly believe that young athletes, professional climbers and mountaineers should have the opportunity to travel freely in Europe, allowing them to train, to compete and to pursue their profession in the best possible way.”

Hannah Smith, a Rab-Lowe Alpine athlete and a member of the GB climbing team, said: “International travel is a huge part of my life as an athlete.

“I compete all over Europe every year and now that I am a student, I will be managing my travel and finances myself for the first time. Visa-free travel would make this so much easier and stress free.

“The thought of having to limit my competitions abroad because of visa regulations is heartbreaking. Please support athletes so that we can continue to travel and do what we love.”

An Equip spokesperson said: “We at Rab and Lowe Alpine support the petition to negotiate a visa-free permit for European travel for athletes, asking the Government to work with the EU for visa-free permits to allow sporting professionals, athletes and young athletes to travel freely for training and competition across the 27 EU member states.

“The petition needs 10,000 signatures for the government to respond to it. When reaching 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in parliament.”

The online petition will run until 15 August 15. People can add their name to it via the UK Parliament website.