skip to main content

MU EC Member Speaks to BBC News Following Keir Starmer’s Commitment to Music Education

MU Executive Committee member Andi Hopgood spoke to BBC News following Keir Starmer’s speech at the Labour Party Conference, explaining how “it’s important to think of the education of our young people as a holistic thing.”

Published: 05 October 2021 | 11:28 AM Updated: 07 March 2022 | 11:46 AM
Photograph of Keir Starmer speaking at the Labour Conference, against a
“The right for every child to learn an instrument is something I'm very passionate about, and at the MU we're very passionate about our industry in the future.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

The leader’s speech included a commitment to music education, saying “We want every child to get the chance to play an instrument,” and emphasising the importance of music and arts subjects in state schools.

Reflecting on the Labour leader’s speech, Andi told BBC News, “I was really excited to hear music mentioned. We're on the agenda.”

“Music education is something that has kind of been decimated over the last 10 years. And it's important to think of the education of our young people as a holistic thing, tagging into the mental health and wellbeing agenda he was also talking about,” she said.

The right for every child to learn an instrument is something I'm very passionate about, and at the MU we're very passionate about our industry in the future.

“The music industry relies on those people coming through and with cuts to Higher Education, it’s all kind of looking bad for us. So it’s very exciting to hear him speak about the music industry, speak about education and the future of the country,” Andi added.

Continue reading

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI