skip to main content

MU Disappointed By Comments From Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games Director Regarding Refugees

The MU joins the TUC, Equity and Bectu in a letter to the Commonwealth Games Committee, expressing concern over comments praising the Governments’ plan to send those seeking refuge in the UK to Rwanda.

Published: 29 April 2022 | 5:13 PM
Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the bridge with Thames in the forefront, the sunlight streaming across image.
“We call on other leaders involved with the Commonwealth Games to distance themselves from both Nick Timothy’s statement and the Government's approach to refugees”. Image credit: Shutterstock.

The letter, signed by the Midlands region of the MU, TUC, Equity and Bectu is addressed to John Crabtree, the chairman of Birmingham organising committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Disappointment over comments made about refugees

In the document, the four Unions express disappointment over the comments made by Nick Timothy, a Director for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in which he praised the Government’s plans to send refugees to Rwanda, instead of the UK.

It states:

“We are delighted that our vibrant, multicultural, diverse West Midlands will be hosting this year” but that “for Nick Timothy to support such a toxic approach to refugees is appalling, stokes division and sends all the wrong signals about what our region represents”.

“We reject division and we call on other leaders involved with the Commonwealth Games to distance themselves from both Nick Timothy’s statement and the Government's approach to refugees”.

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

Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians
Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists
Manchester skyline at night.

Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange

Calling all Manchester-based musicians: have your say on the future of the region’s music sector by completing GMCA’s new Music Plan survey. You can also attend a free creative industries event in the city-centre on 30 April for networking, discussion and live music.

Published: 20 April 2026

Read more about Greater Manchester Launches Music Plan Survey as MU Backs Creative Exchange