MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2026 in Liverpool.
The composite motion, which combines several motions including one on jobs for young workers submitted by the Musicians' Union, calls on the Labour Party to:
The composite motion also calls on the Labour Party to increase funding for and access to further education, and provide mental health support across educational settings.
Tackling the challenges facing young musicians
Speaking in support of the motion, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl talked about the challenge to opportunity posed by generative artificial intelligence (gen AI), low/no pay from music streaming, and the economics of touring in the UK and abroad.
"Not only is AI threatening to replace musicians and entry level jobs in music, and music streaming still not paying decent royalties in most cases, but touring has become significantly more expensive. Touring in the EU was open to all before Brexit but there are now additional costs and admin for young musicians and bands to grapple with," she explained.
AI, fixing music streaming and the cost of touring are three of the issues the Union is raising with MPs and decision-makers at Labour Party Conference. MPs, local councillors and delegates are invited to the Union's stand F8 to learn more.
Protecting the future of music
Naomi also highlighted the importance of the BBC to young musicians as a training ground, as a route to building audiences and access to live opportunities.
She gave the example of BBC Introducing and coverage of Glastonbury, the Proms and other music festivals, which provide meaningful opportunities to get in front of audiences and programme-makers who might give a composer or artist their first media commission or sync deal.
The BBC is not just the single biggest commissioner of new music in the UK. As Naomi told delegates, "The BBC employs 5 orchestras and the fantastic BBC Singers - the UK’s only full time employed chamber choir - who perform around the country, on TV, on the radio and work with young musicians in our schools. That’s 400 full time employed roles that young classical musicians can aspire to."
Emphasising the unique role the BBC plays in the UK's music life, Naomi ended with a clear call for the Labour Government: "We need a new funding package and BBC Charter that shores up the organisation for the future. This Labour Government has that power. Let’s preserve our BBC so it is there for generations to come."
A collective of arts, entertainment and broadcast unions, including the Musicians’ Union, have launched a joint petition to protect the future of the BBC. Add your voice to the call for funding, gold standard employment rights, and worker representation in the BBC's governance – sign and share our petition now.