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Political Fund

Politicians make decisions which affect the lives of musicians at work and at home. Therefore, MU members need a political voice. MU Political Fund allows the MU to lobby politicians in order to influence those decisions.

Last updated: 22 January 2024

The Musicians’ Union has held a political fund since 1913. The fund allows the Union to lobby and influence political decision makers across the UK on changes that would improve the everyday lives of members like employment law, arts funding, copyright and international touring. We are not permitted to spend any Union funds outside the political fund on this type of activity.

Opt in to MU Political Fund

Why does the MU have a Political Fund?

MU members need a political voice. Politicians make decisions which affect the lives of musicians at work and at home. Maintaining a political fund allows the MU to lobby politicians in order to influence those decisions.

Are all members required to contribute to the Political Fund?

No, if you don’t want to contribute to the Political Fund, you don’t have to. Every member has the right to opt in or out of paying into the Political Fund whenever they want.

Members who have opted in contribute 2p in every £1 of their subscription fees to the Political Fund. It sounds like a tiny amount, but it all adds up and allows us to achieve big things. This wayll members can continue to benefit from the Union’s political campaigning.

Does all the money go to the Labour Party?

No, less than half of the money raised from the MU’s political levy goes towards Labour Party affiliation fees. At this point in time when it seems ever more likely that Labour will win the next General Election its vitally important that we remain affiliated and maintain our excellent relationship with the party.

Polical Fund Review Ballot

We are legally required to ballot members every ten years to seek members' approval to continue to maintain this fund. All members have the right to vote, whether you currently contribute to the political fund or not, and you will continue to have the right not to contribute personally if you don’t wish to.

Last Political Fund Review ballot closed 19 January 2024. Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the Union’s political fund: 

  • 18% of members participated in the process
  • 95% voted in favour of retaining the political fund

Find out more about MU Political Fund review ballot results and the Scrutineers Report.