skip to main content

Due to the ongoing global Microsoft outage, we are currently unable to send or receive emails. If your enquiry is urgent, please call us Contact

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

The UK flag waving in the wind next to the European Union flag, outside the Houses of Parliament.

Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe

More than 300 music, live performance and cultural organisations across the UK and EU have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU leaders calling on them to use a key summit to break the deadlock over touring the UK and European Union.

Published: 13 November 2026

Read more about Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe
Large, glass curved exterior of the BBC building HQ. its logo is on the front in white.

Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!

The BBC is the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK. Invite your MP to our drop-in event in Parliament to learn more and show their support for the BBC's music future!

Published: 11 November 2026

Read more about Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!
Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists