skip to main content

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament

There continues to be no clarity for musicians in the Brexit deal, which has now been voted on in parliament and passed.

Published: 30 December 2020 | 6:36 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Small placard held up reading
At the very least, in the short-term, touring performers should be included in the list of Independent Professionals.

The Brexit deal has now been voted on in parliament and passed. The MU is grateful to the Labour leader Keir Starmer and a number of other MPs including Rachel Reeves and Tracy Brabin for raising the issue of touring musicians working in the EU, but there remains no clarity for our members.

The MU will fight to have performers included on the list of ‘Independent Professionals’ in the short term, but we will also continue to argue for an overall exemption for touring musicians.

Over 90,000 people have signed the petition calling for a Musicians’ Passport, which has widespread support.

There needs to be an exemption for touring performers

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge explains:

“Our understanding from analysis of the trade agreement, is that the main barriers for musicians in the short term will be work permits, which could vary from territory to territory, and costly carnets for movement of instruments and equipment.

“We have been calling for a reciprocal arrangement; we understand that EU-based performers and crew will want to work here, by including the UK on an international tour for example, and many of our members rely heavily on working in EU countries. It is extremely disappointing that no such arrangement has been agreed.

“In fact, this response suggests that the government fails to understand the issues facing touring musicians. Visas are not the issue, the issue is work permits. At the very least, in the short-term, touring performers should be included in the list of Independent Professionals. In the long term, there needs to be an exemption for touring performers if the UK is going to maintain its strong position as a world-class music nation.

“We will continue to work with the UK Government to try to secure an acceptable arrangement. Given the massive impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the UK music industry, this is another devastating blow.”

Take action now

The Musicians’ Union is calling on the Government and Parliament to back a Musicians' Passport for musicians working in the EU post-Brexit.

If you haven’t already, please sign and share the petition to show your support.

Sign the petition

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