skip to main content

Brexit Extended for up to Six Months

Following talks between European Union leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May, Brexit has been extended for up to six months.

Published: 11 April 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 04 February 2026 | 4:09 PM

The new deadline is 31 October 2019 – although Brexit may happen before that date.

During this extension, your right to work in the EU remains the same.

If a Brexit deal is reached before then, your rights will not change until the end of any transition period outlined in the deal.

However, if Government decides not to take part in European Parliament elections in May, then there is still a chance of a no deal Brexit. You can find out more, including the Government’s official advice on preparing for a no deal scenario, in our Brexit Guidance hub.

The MU on Brexit

Staying in the EU is still the best option for musicians. We cannot support any Brexit Deal that limits freedom of movement for our members.

That’s why we support revoking Article 50 or a People’s Vote in the first instance.

Get involved

Musician? Join for £1 and get your first six months free as well as contract advice, professional development and networking, and support when you need it most.

Love music? Sign up as a Supporter for free to support our campaigns and protect the music you love.

For more news and advice on Brexit see our Brexit advice page.

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

A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey
Close up of someone composing. They are holding an acoustic guitar while sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, whilst also writing notes on a tablet.

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers
A light blue background with white blocks featuring a speech bubble and three dots inside, representing talking. There is one block above them which has a red stop sign inside.

MU Reiterates Position on Freedom of Expression and Discrimination

In light of recent cases in which artists have had performances cancelled after expressing personal political views, the MU has reiterated its position on freedom of expression, political speech and opposition to all forms of hate and discrimination.

Published: 16 September 2026

Read more about MU Reiterates Position on Freedom of Expression and Discrimination