: The MU will be focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes. Photo credit: Shutterstock
On Tuesday 9 June, our General Secretary Horace Trubridge appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee to give evidence on the impact that COVID-19 has had on musicians.
Since the committee meeting, Horace’s call on the Government has seen wide-spread media coverage – including an article in The Guardian, explaining how UK theatres and music venues face a grim future unless the Government steps in with further support, and an article in NME reporting on MPs have been warned that a large majority of the UK’s music venues and theatres are facing permanent closure.
Other articles referencing the evidence that Horace presented include a second article in The Guardian on an open letter written by Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Mark Elder on the survival of UK orchestras, and a BBC news story on musicians’ hardship funds.
The MU are a part of two of the Government’s Covid-19 working groups, Entertainment & Events, and Broadcast, and will be focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes as well as discussing what help will be required in order to allow all musicians to safely go back to work.
Kevin Brennan MP posted a full breakdown of the meeting, including video clips of the discussion, which you can read on Twitter.
No musician left behind
According to our research, more than a third of musicians are likely to slip between the cracks of the Government’s support schemes.
Ask the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ensure no musician is left behind.
You can use our template letter if you're not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too. Personal stories make all the difference.
Write to Rishi now, see our advice on how.