Alison McGovern MP thanked the MU for ensuring fair pay, safe performance spaces, and vibrant live music in our communities. Photo: ©The MU.
The day began with a keynote speech from guest speaker Alison McGovern, Labour MP for Birkenhead and Minister for Employment. Addressing Conference, Alison championed the importance of local grassroots venues, spotlighting the community work of Future Yard - an MU Fair Play Venue.
She said: “I want to thank the MU for the work you do to make sure that musicians are properly remunerated, that everyone feels able and safe to perform, and for the work you do to make sure live music is a part of towns and cities.
"We need our economy to succeed, and music is a big part of that - Liverpool is such a good example of that.”
She also spoke about her passion for music education and the MU’s campaigns on AI and music streaming.
Catch up on highlights from day one of Conference.
Policy motions and debate
In addition to further rule change proposals, a wide range of motions were brought forward, seconded, and debated by delegates. Motions passed included:
- Labour Party in Northern Ireland – asking the MU to back the Northern Ireland Constituency Labour Party’s Right to Stand Campaign
- A Union for the Nations: Reflecting Increased Devolution – calling on the Executive Committee (EC) to initiate a formal consultation with members on the Union’s structure
- Motion to Ban Vaping in Public Spaces
- Devolution, Music and the Arts – calling on the EC to review the MU’s operations to better engage with local decision-making
- Free Childcare Restrictions – urging the EC to lobby the government to expand free childcare for working parents beyond school hours
- Opposing the Labour Government’s Welfare Cuts
Key Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) motions passed included:
- Celebrating and Promoting ED&I Values at the MU
- Supporting Music ED&I Programmes
- No Platform for Hate in the Music Industry – calling on the EC to create and promote clear MU policies and resources to prevent hate and discrimination, support members who speak out, and ensure ethical platforming across all levels.
“Music can create something better than hate and division”
In a passionate speech, North of England member Christopher Lydon (pictured below) moved the motion on ‘No Platform for Hate’. He told Conference: “The far right has moved from the fringes into mainstream and public discourse… this is a movement that demands our vigilance and our action.
“Choosing not to give someone a stage isn’t censorship. It’s ethics. It’s boundaries. It’s safety. This is about refusing to legitimise hate.
“Above all, this motion is rooted in hope. In the belief that music can create something better than hate and division.”
“A representative union is a happier structure”
While motions to Regional Committees can cover any aspect of Union work, including ED&I themes, 2025 marked the first time the MU's ED&I Committee was able to submit a motion to Conference directly.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Chair Lynn Henderson (pictured below) presented the motion ‘Celebrating and Promoting ED&I Values at the MU’. The motion proposed that elected MU Committees adopt a code of conduct reflecting these values, and be encouraged to complete unconscious bias and other relevant ED&I training.
She said: “A representative and inclusive union is not only a safe and happy environment - it is a happier structure.
“We as a union need to be able to accept and learn from our mistakes … to create a space where everyone feels welcome.”
“We need welfare, not warfare”
According to the Musicians' Census, 88% of disabled musicians have experienced discrimination based on their disability. 94% of those experiencing discrimination said it impacted their ability to work or career progression.
Speaking in support of the motion opposing Labour's welfare cuts, North of England Regional Committee member Sashwati Sengupta said: “Scapegoating disabled people is not balancing the books - it’s part of a long-standing neoliberal attack on the working class.
“There’s apparently no money to keep pensioners warm, but £15.4 billion has been found for defence, weapons, drones, submarines, and the army.
“We need welfare, not warfare.”
Emergency motion
There was one emergency motion, with amendments, at the end of day two of Conference.
The motion called on the Executive Committee to oppose and fully condemn genocide against the Palestinian people. The motion also asked the MU to consider how it can protect and defend free speech and peaceful protest.
After a robust and respectful debate, the motion passed.
A huge thank you to all the delegates and guests who attended, as well as to our sponsors, Morrish Solicitors and Hencilla Canworth (part of Howden Insurance), for supporting this year's event. MU Delegate Conference will return in 2027!
Conference is the most powerful decision making body in the Union, but it's not the only way to get involved. Find out more about how you can shape the MU's work.