The BBC is the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK. Photo: Shutterstock.
The renewal of the BBC Charter is underway, giving us an opportunity to campaign for resources and reforms the BBC needs to protect jobs and provide a quality public service, free from commercial or political interference.
To that end, the MU is working with arts and culture unions to host a drop-in session and rally for MPs in Parliament.
We want to speak to as many MPs as possible about the BBC's role in UK music — from employing and engaging musicians to creating opportunities for new and emerging artists to giving children and young people early experiences of making music.
Email your MP now!
Has the BBC played a role in your career? Invite your MP to speak to the MU:
- Find your MP’s name and email on the UK Parliament website
- Email them using the template email copy below.
If you have time, add in your own thoughts and why it matters to you. Personal stories really help — and too many emails that look the same could be mistaken for AI.
You can still write to your MP if you’re a British citizen living abroad, or if you have no fixed address. Take a look at the Parliament website for more information.
Template email copy
Dear [insert MP name here],
I am writing as a constituent living at [put your address including postcode here].
The Broadcast, Entertainment and Arts Unions group — including my union, the Musicians' Union — is hosting a drop-in session for MPs on Tuesday 24 November.
It is an opportunity to find out how the BBC supports music and musicians across the UK, and what needs to be considered in BBC Charter renewal to protect the UK's music future.
The event will be followed by a rally highlighting the role of the BBC in different aspects of our work and lives, including music. You will have the opportunity to hear from musicians, writers, journalists, actors and trade union leaders about the role of the BBC in the creative industries, protecting jobs and ensuring a quality public service accessible to all.
As my MP, would you:
- Attend the drop-in event from 4.00pm–6:00pm in Room O, Portcullis House, to talk to the Musicians' Union about protecting the BBC's music future.
- Attend the rally from 6:00pm–7.30pm in Committee Room 11, Palace of Westminster, to hear from Broadcast, Entertainment and Arts Unions and their members about the role of the BBC.
Many thanks.