skip to main content

Launch of #LoveMusic Campaign Ahead of Key Copyright Directive Vote on 12 September

September 12 will see a crucial vote on the EU Copyright Directive, which aims to update current legislation and address the balance between billion-pound content platforms, and the meagre profit passed on to the content creators.

Published: 28 August 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

12 September will see a crucial vote on the EU Copyright Directive, which aims to update current legislation and address the balance between billion-pound content platforms, and the meagre profit passed on to the content creators.

MU members may be aware that a recent vote on the proposed EU Copyright Directive was lost. This was in part due to high-profile lobbying from Google, Wikipedia and other major tech companies who say it will affect their services.

There will now be a further vote on 12 September, so we must act fast.

It is essential that musicians and music supporters fight for a fairer deal for everyone in the UK music industry by getting behind the #LoveMusic campaign – combatting the false claims that are being spread by the major tech firms who stand to benefit.

Why #LoveMusic needs your support

Assistant General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains why fast action to support the #LoveMusic campaign is crucial:

“If you make music or simply love music, the UK’s music industry needs your support now.

“The UK music industry, including musicians, songwriters and producers, as well as record labels and music publishers, are united in their support for the directive. It contains various important elements that would benefit creators as well as the wider industry.

“Major tech firms used their enormous financial clout to influence MEPs and worry users of the internet but their claims that the internet would suffer in the wake of the directive being passed were merely a smoke screen.

“Actually, the directive is about ensuring that copyright material is licensed and paid for properly by platforms that host content, not by individual users – and also that performers and creators are given better contractual terms and full transparency in royalty accounting.”

Act now for a fairer digital deal

UK Music are calling on musicians and music lovers to sign their petition and pass the message on over social media using #LoveMusic.

Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it.

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 hands holding a pen and paper in front of a keyboard.

Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

Read more about Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures
Silhouette of crowd with their hands in the air, watching a small outdoor stage, lit by blue lights. Confetti falls from the sky.

MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost

The MU has welcomed the launch of the Northern Music Export Office (NMEO), calling it a significant step towards creating more opportunities for musicians across the North and helping artists build sustainable careers at home while reaching audiences worldwide.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost
Jack onstage as an older man, wearing a white shirt and playing trombone.

Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free

Jack Free was a talented trombonist who performed alongside some of the great names in jazz during a career spanning more than six decades. He was a proud and long-standing member of the Musicians’ Union, having originally joined in 1956. This tribute has been written by his son, Colin.

Published: 25 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free