skip to main content

Call for Action to Protect Musicians Jeopardised by Hostile Environment Policies

The MU is concerned at the growing impact of the Government’s hostile environment policies which are jeopardising musicians’ opportunities to work.

Published: 04 July 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM
An assortment of protesters waving flags
Photo credit: Musicians' Union

Since the Conservative Government introduced its hostile policies, musicians seeking to work in the UK are enduring humiliating application processes and visa applications have been delayed or refused forcing musicians to cancel work.

These are the same policies that have seen long-term residents of the UK, including members of the Windrush Generation, denied healthcare, the right to work and even detained or deported.

Bumi Thomas, a musician born in the UK, faces deportation and being separated from her family and friends because of a little-known change to Home Office legislation.

You can find out more about the issue and support Bumi by signing the petition here.

In another example, two young blind Indian musicians due to arrive in Scotland as part of a UK/India cultural exchange programme set up by the UK Government, have been refused entry into the UK.

Their non-disabled colleagues, who were supporting them, were granted entry. The Home Office refused the visa applications of these two young disabled people due to their economic and family circumstances.

A petition has been set up calling on the Home Office to reverse their decision. You can sign the petition here.

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

Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members
A hand pressing an online vote button.

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025
Close up of male musician busking on the street, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone.

MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban

MU members are being urged to challenge Birmingham’s busking ban by responding to the council’s consultation and logging their objections to the proposed new Public Space Protection Order by Sunday 25 May 2025.

Published: 20 May 2025

Read more about MU Members Urged to Challenge Birmingham’s Busking Ban