skip to main content

Brexit Deal Voted Down in Parliament for the Third Time

Theresa May’s Brexit deal has today been voted down by the House of Commons. The UK now has until 12 April 2019 to set out its next steps. Any delay beyond 12 April will be dependent on approval from the EU.

Published: 29 March 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM
Miniature placard reading

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes the defeat of the Withdrawal Agreement. We firmly believe that this deal is a bad one for the country and for musicians, because freedom of movement within the EU is so vital to our members’ careers.

We do now, however, urge parliament to come together and consider some of the alternatives put forward last week – notably revoking Article 50 or supporting a People’s Vote. A No Deal Brexit must be avoided at any cost.

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge says:

“Freedom of movement is vital to musicians’ careers, which is why the MU does not support Theresa May’s deal. Given that a No Deal Brexit would be as disastrous for our members as for the country in general, I urge the government and parliament to go back to the drawing board.

“The MU view is clear. We support revoking Article 50, or a second referendum. Failing that, we might support a different Brexit deal if it protected freedom of movement and involved no reduction in workers’ rights or the rights of EU citizens living in this country.”

Members with queries should refer to our FAQs or contact their regional office.

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

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
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