skip to main content

Select Committee on the Impact of Covid-19 on the Creative Industries

Our General Secretary Horace Trubridge will be giving evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industries on Tuesday morning.

Published: 05 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of an open instrument case of a busker
Focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Giving evidence at the Select Committee will be a great opportunity to expand on the detailed responses that the MU has sent to this committee over the last month.

Horace will be focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes as well as discussing what help will be required in order to allow all musicians to safely go back to work.

Entertainment & Events and Broadcasting working groups

Horace has also been invited onto two of the Government’s COVID-19 working groups – Entertainment & Events, and Broadcasting.

The Entertainment & Events group met this week and discussed ways in which the industry could safely be reopened. Other attendees included representatives from ballet and opera companies, a number of CEOs from the industry, and medical expert James Calder.

The main topic of conversation was how theatres and venues would be able to reopen whilst social distancing remained necessary.

Future actions for lobbying

One key development was DCMS agreeing to talk to Local Authorities and the Police about relaxing busking laws while so many other live performances remain impossible.

This was one of the MU’s asks, and we welcome this positive first step. But there is a lot more work to be done. MU members and musicians signed up to our regular no fear, no fuss email updates are encouraged to keep an eye out for future actions to support our lobbying work.

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

Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months
Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action
Close up of person holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters

If you have attended a songwriting session for a major label since September 2025, the DCMS wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help evaluate measures introduced following the UK streaming inquiry and strengthen the case for fair pay for music creators.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters