skip to main content

Is Brexit Affecting Your Work Already? We Want to Hear From You #WorkingInTheEU

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is fighting to protect free movement for musicians working in the European Union (EU) post-Brexit. We want to hear from you about how Brexit has affected your work plans for 2019 – touring, performing, teaching or studying in the European Union. #WorkingInTheEU

Published: 01 December 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM
MU Brexit Banner

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is fighting to protect free movement for musicians working in the European Union (EU) post-Brexit.

Over 20,000 people have signed our petition calling on Government to protect it. Over 150 MPS and Peers have signed a pledge to do all they can to ensure musicians can tour and perform in the EU freely and easily, with minimum administrative burdens. Musicians are sharing photos of their working in the EU on social media using the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU.

The date for Brexit may be set for 29 March 2019, but we need to show how Brexit is already affecting you and your work.

Is Brexit affecting your tour plans for 2019?

We want to hear from you about how Brexit has affected your work plans for 2019 – touring, performing, teaching or studying in the European Union.

  • Is Brexit affecting your plans for 2019? If so, how?
  • Is it affecting some areas of work more than others?
  • Is Brexit affecting your work already?
  • How is this affecting / likely to affect you and your career?

Email Maddy Radcliff, MU Campaigns & Public Affairs Official, with your experiences at maddy.radcliff@theMU.org

Ash Denham MSP Signs the Petition

Sign the Petition for Free Movement for Musicians post-Brexit

Add your voice to the call for free movement for musicians post-Brexit.

Sign our petition via Change.org.

We will be sending the petition straight to Number 10, as well as to the leaders of all the main political parties, and the Ministers and Shadow Ministers for both Brexit and Culture.

Signing and sharing it on social media only takes a couple of minutes, but makes a really big difference to the campaign.

People at the APPG Drop In holding pledge banner

Ask Your Political Representatives to Support Free Movement for Musicians Post Brexit

We need as many MPs, Peers, MSPs, AMs, MLAs and MEPs as possible to sign the MU pledge to protect musicians’ right to travel freely and easily in the EU.

Have you asked your political representatives to sign the pledge?

It’s easy:

  • Find out who your political representatives are via Write to Them
  • Use the email tool to write to your MP, MEP, MSP, AM or MLA
  • Send them this link to the pledge and ask them to sign it

Once you’ve asked them, let us know. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Or you can email Maddy Radcliff (MU Campaigns & Public Affairs Official) at maddy.radcliff@theMU.org.

An MP signs the MU Petition

Share Your Experiences Working in the EU

We need to show MPs and Peers why working in the EU matters to musicians. We need to demonstrate that many musicians’ livelihoods depend on their right to tour and work in the EU with ease.

Having evidence – photos, stories, experiences – is essential.

  • Are you working in the EU right now? Take a picture where you are and share it on social media using the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU.
  • Did you go on tour recently? Share a picture on social media using the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU.
  • Haven’t got a picture to hand? That’s okay – email your stories of working in the EU to maddy.radcliff@theMU.org

We’ll be using your social media posts to show key decision-makers why they need to support you.

Free movement for musicians is just one our five key Brexit issues. Find out more via our Brexit hub, theMU.org/Brexit.

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 range of Gibson guitars at a guitar exhibition.

MU Returns to Birmingham Guitar Show for 2025

The annual Guitar and Bass Show takes place in Solihull on 1 and 2 March. MU Officials will be present on both days of the event and members attending are invited to come along and meet the regional team.

Published: 22 January 2025

Read more about MU Returns to Birmingham Guitar Show for 2025
Close up, side view, of an old piano with ivory keys.

The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species

The Ivory Act 2018 has now been extended to cover the common hippopotamus, killer whale, narwhal and sperm whale. These Regulations, which come into force on 28 January, may impact those who intend to sell, purchase or hire musical instruments containing ivory.

Published: 21 January 2025

Read more about The Ivory Act 2018 is Being Extended to Cover Four Additional Species
Steve playing fiddle live in front of a microphone on a stand.

Tribute to Steve Simpson

Steve Simpson was a successful and talented musician who played guitar, mandolin, fiddle and performed vocals across the UK and internationally. He originally joined the MU in 1974. This tribute has been provided by his partner, Caroline Morgan.

Published: 21 January 2025

Read more about Tribute to Steve Simpson