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

Sticky note with human head and green cross icon, representing health and wellness.

Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work

A life in the arts often brings physical or psychological challenges, but BAPAM can offer vital support. Trustee and MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explains why the union is proud to champion its work and how its services can benefit members.

Published: 04 December 2025

Read more about Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work
Flags of the United Kingdom and the European Union next to each other.

Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth

A new UK–EU Cultural Exchange Coalition has launched today, uniting the MU and major creative organisations to push for removing post-Brexit touring barriers. The alliance seeks to turn political promises on cultural exchange into action supporting artists and renewing collaboration.

Published: 03 December 2025

Read more about Organisations from Across UK and Europe Join Forces to Remove Barriers to Touring and Drive Growth
An aerial view of Derry in Northern Ireland.

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Members are invited to join the MU in attending the NW Music Makers Forum in Derry to discuss collaborative support for the live music sector. Taking place on Friday 12 December 2025.

Published: 02 December 2025

Read more about MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry