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

Out of focus interior of a school music classroom, with students practicing musical instruments and an acoustic guitar in the foreground.

Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs

With a new report suggesting that music hubs are facing a £161.4 million black hole, MU National Organiser Chris Walters looks at how we got here and invites members to take action.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about Let’s Demand More for Music Hubs
A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture
London cityscape with Houses of Parliament and Big Ben tower at sunset.

MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament

The MU’s Head of Communications and Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez, reports on a busy month of highlighting musicians’ issues in parliament, with updates relating to streaming, music education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Published: 20 February 2025

Read more about MU Lobbying Update: How We’re Representing Members in Parliament
MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl on stage at the launch in London.

MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign

The newly launched campaign, led by the National Education Union with support from the MU, urges political change to restore the place of arts subjects in schools.

Published: 19 February 2025

Read more about MU Supports New Arts and Minds Campaign