skip to main content

Concerns over the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

The MU are concerned that the Government’s new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill risks criminalising the right to peaceful protest, and will increase discrimination and undermine democracy.

Published: 15 March 2021 | 3:49 PM Updated: 06 May 2021 | 12:44 PM
Photograph of a group of police officers standing in a road in their high viz uniforms.
Violence against women and girls, racism, transphobia and climate change are all reasons behind some of the biggest recent protests. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Many of the hard won rights that communities have fought for have come as a direct result of protest, and people should be able to stand up for what they believe in and hold the Government and organisations accountable for their actions.

Tackle the root cause of why the protest is needed

The MU believes that if the Government really wants to create safer communities it should invest in community organisations and specialist services to support the most marginalised and at risk in our society, not force through legislation that may have a disproportionate impact on those communities and further increase inequality

More work needs to be done to tackle the root causes of why people protest. Violence against women and girls, racism, transphobia and climate change are all reasons behind some of the biggest recent protests, yet the new bill makes no mention of a clear plan to tackle these issues.

The tragic death of Sarah Everard has instigated a national conversation that is demanding action to tackle violence against women and girls and the misogynistic attitudes that underpin it. The Government must listen and rethink their approach to tackle these issues.

Take action now

The right to protest is fundamental to our democracy and any legislation that threatens to weaken that right must be resisted.

Netpol – the network for police monitoring – has launched a petition on 38 degrees, opposing this new planned legislation and instead demanding that the National Police Chiefs Council adopts a new, eleven-point Charter for Freedom of Assembly Rights – or explains why they refuse to do so.

The petition had already gathered over 110,000 signatures when this story was published, and you can add your name on the 38 degrees website too.

Meeting to discuss how the MU can do more for women’s safety

The MU is hosting a special meeting of the Women Members Network on 24 March 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm chaired by MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl to talk about what more the MU can do to ensure women’s safety and practical measures that the MU can take to employers and engagers.

Sign up to our Women Members Network to find out more.

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

Close up of a Border Security Officer at a computer.

Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US

Tamizdat, a non-profit organisation that facilitates international cultural exchange, has provided updated advice for those entering the US, further to recent press commentary regarding increased scrutiny at ports of entry.

Published: 27 March 2025

Read more about Updated Information and Advice for Musicians Working in the US
Ankna singing into a microphone on stage.

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

In our fourth and final blog for Women's History Month 2025, vocalist Ankna Arockiam explores the challenges women in the music industry face, her work around higher education and activism, and how joining the MU opens up opportunities for a more inclusive industry.

Published: 26 March 2025

Read more about Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”
Group of diverse women sat talking around a table, making notes with paper and laptops, smiling as they network and share ideas.

Keychange Announces 2025 Cohort for Talent Leadership Programme

Keychange, a movement dedicated to addressing underrepresentation in music, has announced the new participants in its 2025 Talent Leadership Programme. The cohort, which includes the MU’s own ED&I Officer Diljeet Bhachu, will collaborate to drive transformative change within the industry.

Published: 25 March 2025

Read more about Keychange Announces 2025 Cohort for Talent Leadership Programme
Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience of Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.

Published: 25 March 2025

Read more about Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”