skip to main content

Ask Your MP to Support Free Movement for Musicians Post Brexit #WorkingInTheEU

Over 100 MPs and Peers have signed the Musicicians’ Union (MU) pledge to protect musicians’ right to travel freely and easily in the EU. That’s great – but there’s still work to do. Take action now! #WorkingInTheEU

Published: 06 July 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 14 April 2026 | 4:05 PM
Brexit Pledge Banner

Over 100 MPs and Peers have committed to protecting musicians’ right to move freely and easily in the European Union (EU) after Brexit.

That’s great – but there’s still work to do.

We need as many MPs and Peers as possible to support musicians working in the EU. There are two ways you can help make that happen.

Ask Your MP

Ask your MP to sign the Musicians Union (MU) pledge to protect musicians’ right to travel freely and easily in the EU.

It’s easy:

Once you’ve asked them, let us know. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Or you can email Maddy Radcliff (MU Campaigns & Public Affairs Official) at maddy.radcliff@theMU.org.

Share Your Experiences Working in the EU

We need to show MPs and Peers why working in the EU matters to musicians. We need to demonstrate that many musicians’ livelihoods depend on their right to tour and work in the EU with ease.

Having evidence – photos, stories, experiences – is essential.

  • Are you working in the EU right now? Take a picture where you are and share it on social media using the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU.
  • Did you go on tour recently? Share a picture on social media using the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU.
  • Haven’t got a picture to hand? That’s okay – email your stories of working in the EU to maddy.radcliff@theMU.org

We’ll be using your social media posts to show MPs and Peers why they need to support you.

 

But Wait, There’s More…

Keep an eye out on MU communications over the next couple of months for the next steps in our campaign to support musicians working in the EU.

Take this opportunity to get more involved in your Union. Find out how.

Free movement for musicians is just one our five key Brexit issues. Find out more via our Brexit hub, theMU.org/Brexit.

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

13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026
Chapman sat in front of a piano, talking to Claudia Winkleman on set for Channel Four’s show The Piano.

Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education

Why are disabled musicians still so rarely seen in the UK’s conservatoires, orchestras and freelance workforce? For Chun, the parent of accomplished young MU member Chapman, the answer lies not in a lack of talent, but in post-16 structures that continue to close doors on disabled progression.

Published: 08 May 2026

Read more about Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education
Marcelo and another busker in yellow M U campaign t-shirts holding pink cut out guitars at a demo last August.

Protecting Amplification in Busking

One year on from the Leicester Square busking ban, MU member Marcelo Cervone reflects on how amplification shapes public space, challenges misconceptions on busking volume and makes the case for protecting performers’ pitches.

Published: 08 May 2026

Read more about Protecting Amplification in Busking