skip to main content

Minister for Digital & Creative Industries Agrees to Meet Musicians' Union to Discuss Free Movement

On Thursday 22 March, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries Margot James MP agreed to meet the Musicians' Union (MU) to discuss musicians' right to travel freely and easily in the European Union post-Brexit.

Published: 23 March 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

On Thursday 22 March, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries Margot James MP agreed to meet the Musicians' Union (MU) to discuss musicians' right to travel freely and easily in the European Union post-Brexit.

Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, asked the Minister if she will agree to meet the MU regularly over the next 12 months to ensure that our concerns about free movement for musicians working in the EU are dealt with.

The Minister replied "I'd be very happy to meet the Musicians' Union as part of my ongoing work to support the sector".

The MU wishes to thank Thangam Debbonaire MP for raising this question in Parliament.

Read more from Thangam Debbonaire MP on free movement for musicians and why it matters on the MU blog.

Get involved!

  • Is Brexit affecting your plans for 2019? We want to hear from you.
  • Add your voice to the call for free movement for musicians post-Brexit. Sign the petition.
  • Ask your political representatives to support free movement for musicians post-Brexit. Take action now.
  • Share your experiences working in the EU on social media. Use the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU. Like what you read? Keep up to date with the latest from the MU on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords