skip to main content

A Boost for Carry on Touring Campaign

The MU is delighted that Tim Brennan and MU member Ian Smith have been nominated for the UK Parliament petition campaign of the year award.

Published: 10 February 2022 | 3:49 PM Updated: 10 February 2022 | 4:45 PM
Plane in the sky above the clouds with a pastel hue as the light filters through the lens.
"This is a great boost for the campaign and a well deserved accolade for Tim and Ian". Image credit: Shutterstock.

Carry on Touring was established to secure cross-party support for Tim Brennan’s petition that asked the UK Government to negotiate a free cultural work permit to give touring professionals visa free travel throughout the 27 EU states.

The umbrella campaign brings together a coalition of voices from across the touring, cultural and creative industries sectors, campaigning for a realistic solution for UK touring professionals and artists in the EU, following the UK's departure from the European Union.

In May 2020, the campaign organised an UK-EU summit, bringing together UK politicians from across the political spectrum and industry figures from all sectors in the UK and the EU. The MU also showed it's support for the campaign and advised members how they could also take part.

A great boost for the campaign

The strength of this campaign is that it is inclusive, reaching across the sector, industry, and political parties, securing support from 43 MPs and 23 members of the House of Lords. Furthermore it continues to grow in strength and MU National Organiser for Live Performance Dave Webster sits on the advisory board.

Dave says:

"This is a great boost for the campaign and a well deserved accolade for Tim and Ian. Well done to Carry On Touring".

You can find more information on the other nominees and full details of the campaign via UK Parliament.

Continue reading

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read more about How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious
Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members