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

Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action
Close up of person holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters

If you have attended a songwriting session for a major label since September 2025, the DCMS wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help evaluate measures introduced following the UK streaming inquiry and strengthen the case for fair pay for music creators.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters
Person sat in front of an open laptop wearing headphones and programming music.

MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield

The MU are hosting a roundtable discussion, ‘The Long Play: Building a Sustainable Career in Music’, at Sensoria Pro — a conference exploring innovation across music and the moving image — in Sheffield on Friday 23 October. Members can also receive a 25% discount on tickets.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield
Six women on stage in front of an audience. Behind them is a screen saying

‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music

Donne Women in Music’s latest report reveals how underrepresented composers receive a smaller share of orchestral programme time than their share of programmed works, highlighting persistent inequalities in global repertoire.

Published: 14 October 2026

Read more about ‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music