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

Young Black college-age woman, sat at a kitchen  table with headphones on, looking at a laptop screen in concentration, next to a stack of books and notes.

What Could New V Levels Mean for Music Education?

MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explores what the government's reform of level 3 technical qualifications could mean for music education, including its impact on access, progression and existing courses.

Published: 16 June 2026

Read more about What Could New V Levels Mean for Music Education?
Last year's parade, MU members holding a large banner that says

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2026

Members are invited to join the MU on Saturday 11 July for the Durham Miners' Gala -  the world’s largest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.

Published: 15 June 2026

Read more about March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2026
A bag full of an assortment of musical instruments in a school classroom.

MU Addresses MPs on Music Education

The MU addressed MPs on music education, warning that stagnant funding, university course closures and worsening conditions for teachers are putting the future of music education at risk. The General Secretary also followed up on her meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Published: 15 June 2026

Read more about MU Addresses MPs on Music Education