skip to main content

Democracy in Action: Rule Changes and Carried Motions from MU Delegate Conference 2025

At our recent Delegate Conference, held in Liverpool on 22–23 July, ten changes to the MU Rules were agreed, and 23 member-submitted motions were carried. Find out more below and view the full details online.

Photo ofPhil Kear
By Phil Kear Published: 10 September 2025 | 7:19 PM
Close up of a hand holding the Union’s vote card, with the Delegate Conference room out of focus in the background.
All of the rule changes and carried motions from Delegate Conference 2025 can now be viewed online. Photo: Belinda Enthoven.

Ten amendments to the MU Rules were considered and agreed by conference delegates. The updated MU Rules came into force on 5 September.

These changes include a significant overhaul of the General Secretary election process (Rule VIII)—incorporating recommendations from the process review group established following the most recent election in 2021/2022—as well as the introduction of reserved seats on the Executive Committee for under-represented communities, starting in 2027.

Full details of the proposed and agreed rule changes are available here.

Carried motions

A total of 25 motions were submitted by members and approved by regional committees to be brought forward for consideration at the conference.

In addition, an emergency motion on the subject of free speech in relation to support for Palestine was received on Day one of the conference.

Of these, 23 motions were carried, including:

  • A call for the MU to promulgate fair rates for musicians working in healthcare settings
  • Proposals to improve support networks for buskers
  • A motion to lobby music venues receiving ticket levy funding to join our Fair Play Venue Scheme

All carried motions become part of MU policy, and work will be undertaken over the next two years to progress them ahead of the next Delegate Conference in 2027.

Full details of all carried motions from Delegate Conference 2025 are available here.

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Make a change in your local area or within your music sector, or to be part of the governing body of the union. Get involved with the Musicians' Union's work.

Members can get involved and shape the future of music through the MU's democratic structures.

There are many ways to get involved 

and much more.

Shape MU policy

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Continue reading

Close up of a Germany visa stamp on a passport.

New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany

New MU guidance outlines the rules for musicians working in Germany, including work permit exemptions, visa requirements and key considerations for performers accepting engagements in the country.

Published: 20 August 2026

Read more about New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany
Portrait of Jeff, smiling in a blue shirt.

Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield

An accomplished professional violinist, Jeff Wakefield enjoyed a distinguished orchestral career and took great pride in his lifelong association with the Musicians' Union, of which he became a member in 1952. This tribute was written by his son-in-law, David Marcou.

Published: 14 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield
Young Black musician, wearing headphones, In the foreground is a recording mic and pop shield.

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

Meet the MU’s Sam Jordan and Louise Stanners Pow at this year’s hip hop conference and festival, and learn more about copyright, sampling, ownership and collaboration.

Published: 13 August 2026

Read more about Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026