skip to main content

Brexit: 1 Year to Go

This Thursday is a year to the day since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, beginning the Brexit process.

Published: 26 March 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

This Thursday is a year to the day since Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, beginning the Brexit process.

That also means it's one year until the United Kingdom leaves the European Union (EU). Yet we still do not know what will happen in key areas of policy.

For the 30,000 members of the Musicians' Union (MU), one of the biggest questions is what will happen to freedom of movement. It is a right that is essential to musicians who rely on the ability to travel freely and easily to and through the EU.

Why does it matter?

We know it matters because musicians have been telling us that it does. Over 23,000 people have signed the petition calling on Government to protect freedom of movement for musicians.

Over 150 MPs and Peers have signed a pledge to do all they can to ensure musicians can tour and perform in the EU freely and easily, with minimum administrative burdens.

Musicians are sharing photos of their work in the EU on social media using the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU. And we've been hearing from our members about how their work plans are already being affected.

What can I do?

  • Sign the free movement petition via Change.org
  • Tell us how Brexit is affecting your work plans for 2019 – touring, performing, teaching or studying in the EU. Email Maddy Radcliff, MU Campaigns & Social Media Official, at maddy.radcliff@theMU.org
  • Share your photos working across the EU on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU

The more evidence we have, the stronger the case to protect free movement.

Already done that?

We need MPs' support to make sure free movement for musicians is considered in the Brexit negotiations process.

Ask your MP to sign up to the MU's pledge to protect free movement. Calling for a right to movement as is or in the form of a cheap and admin-light visa system. Find your MP via Write to Them and send them this link to the pledge.

We also need Members of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly Members and Members of the Legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland to show their support. Find your representatives via Write to Them and send them this link to the pledge too.

Love music?

Soon, we will be launching our MU Supporters drive. Everyone who loves music will be invited to register absolutely free. We’ll then be able to let you know about our latest campaigns and how you can get involved, from protecting small venues to supporting law changes that make life easier for the artists and bands you’re a fan of – including free movement for musicians post-Brexit.

Like what you read? Keep up to date with the latest news and campaigns from the MU on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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

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
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance