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

Two young female musicians sat outside, one playing acoustic guitar.

MU to Host Diversity Panel and Advice Sessions at Launchpad 2026

The Musicians’ Union will take part in Launchpad Conference 2026 on Friday 27 March at Leeds School of Arts, bringing industry insight, a panel on cultural diversity in music, and one-to-one advice sessions for musicians across the North of England.

Published: 10 March 2026

Read more about MU to Host Diversity Panel and Advice Sessions at Launchpad 2026
Close up of wooden violin bow.

New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force

Following a decision at the CITES Conference of the Parties, new rules governing the international trade of pernambuco bows came into force on 5 March 2026. Guidance from the UK CITES authority explains what the changes mean for musicians.

Published: 06 March 2026

Read more about New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force