skip to main content

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Meets Chancellor Rachel Reeves as Part of TULO Delegation

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, along with general secretaries from unions across the country, met with Chancellor Rachel Reeves to discuss economic policy affecting workers, including the issues of music streaming and live music venues.

Published: 03 October 2024 | 12:27 PM Updated: 03 October 2024 | 1:54 PM
Labour affiliate union general secretaries standing outside 11 Downing Street.
Labour’s affiliated unions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, in Number 11 Downing Street, ahead of the budget. Image credit: © National TULO.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week as part of a Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Organisation (TULO) delegation of union general secretaries.

They discussed big-picture economic policy affecting workers and made the case for the importance of delivering for working people across the country.

Naomi also talked about the importance of investing in the arts and music - not just for financial reasons, but for the value that music brings to people’s lives.

UK musicians should be fairly remunerated for streaming

She talked about the redistribution of wealth within the music industry, specifically music streaming.

The UK is estimated to be the largest digital music market in Europe, and in 2023 its recorded music revenue increased by 8.1% year-on-year to £1.43 billion.

If UK-based musicians received a fairer cut of the money made from streaming their music, the money would stay in the UK economy instead of going to multinational record companies.

Live music drives economic value

Naomi also talked about how a thriving local music scene directly impacts a city’s financial health.

Venues create jobs, attract tourism, and stimulate growth in surrounding businesses like restaurants, bars, and retail stores.

The live music sector generates rich social, cultural and economic benefits, and we’re hopeful that these conversations are a starting point to repairing the grassroots live scene for everyone involved.

Get the recognition you deserve with MU membership

Access expert training, advice and services whether you are a full-time professional musician, occasional gig player, part-time music teacher or anything in between.

Explore the career advice

Get the recognition you deserve with MU membership

Continue reading

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square