skip to main content

Minister for Digital & Creative Industries Agrees to Meet Musicians' Union to Discuss Free Movement

On Thursday 22 March, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries Margot James MP agreed to meet the Musicians' Union (MU) to discuss musicians' right to travel freely and easily in the European Union post-Brexit.

Published: 23 March 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

On Thursday 22 March, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries Margot James MP agreed to meet the Musicians' Union (MU) to discuss musicians' right to travel freely and easily in the European Union post-Brexit.

Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, asked the Minister if she will agree to meet the MU regularly over the next 12 months to ensure that our concerns about free movement for musicians working in the EU are dealt with.

The Minister replied "I'd be very happy to meet the Musicians' Union as part of my ongoing work to support the sector".

The MU wishes to thank Thangam Debbonaire MP for raising this question in Parliament.

Read more from Thangam Debbonaire MP on free movement for musicians and why it matters on the MU blog.

Get involved!

  • Is Brexit affecting your plans for 2019? We want to hear from you.
  • Add your voice to the call for free movement for musicians post-Brexit. Sign the petition.
  • Ask your political representatives to support free movement for musicians post-Brexit. Take action now.
  • Share your experiences working in the EU on social media. Use the hashtag #WorkingInTheEU. Like what you read? Keep up to date with the latest from the MU on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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

13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026
Chapman sat in front of a piano, talking to Claudia Winkleman on set for Channel Four’s show The Piano.

Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education

Why are disabled musicians still so rarely seen in the UK’s conservatoires, orchestras and freelance workforce? For Chun, the parent of accomplished young MU member Chapman, the answer lies not in a lack of talent, but in post-16 structures that continue to close doors on disabled progression.

Published: 08 May 2026

Read more about Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education
Marcelo and another busker in yellow M U campaign t-shirts holding pink cut out guitars at a demo last August.

Protecting Amplification in Busking

One year on from the Leicester Square busking ban, MU member Marcelo Cervone reflects on how amplification shapes public space, challenges misconceptions on busking volume and makes the case for protecting performers’ pitches.

Published: 08 May 2026

Read more about Protecting Amplification in Busking