skip to main content

MU Meets With Mayor of London Team to Discuss Racial Profiling Of Live Events

The discussion focused on the allegations of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police, where venues were pressured into cancelling shows by predominantly Black artists and artists who perform music of Black origin.

Published: 24 May 2023 | 1:52 PM
Microphone in front of the bands instruments standing ready on a stage for a live performance.
A wider industry meeting will be convened in due course involving UK Music, Black Lives in Music and other relevant organisations. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Last week we explained how the MU was deeply concerned that claims of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police had once again surfaced.

As a result, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, today met with Amy Lame and the Mayor of London's team. They discussed allegations that the Met Police have been targeting live events featuring Black artists or music of Black origin.

It was agreed to look into the issue further and review licensing processes to ensure equal treatment of events regardless of genre.

A wider industry meeting will be convened in due course involving UK Music, Black Lives in Music and other relevant organisations.

Equality at the MU

As a member-led organisation, we often ask for members' opinions on a whole range of topics to ensure that our work represents your views and our equality networks are an important part of this process. We have four major equality network groups and a Young Member Network.

The Network for Musicians who Experience Racism is a space where people with shared identities and backgrounds can connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry. It ensures that the voices of members who experience racism are heard and that opportunities for activism and leadership are created.

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

People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025

Read more about Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025