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

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025