The King’s Speech took place today, outlining the government’s plan for the next year. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The King’s Speech took place today, outlining the government’s plan for the next year. The speech focuses on key bills that the government will introduce to Parliament.
Among the bills announced include a European Partnership Bill “to strengthen ties with the European Union.” The Musicians’ Union will be lobbying hard to hold Labour’s feet to the fire over their manifesto commitments and ensure that any legislation includes measures to support musicians touring in the EU.
Other bills announced include:
The MU will continue to advocate for members on artificial intelligence regulation, strengthening copyright and securing equitable remuneration from music streaming.
Action is needed on the big challenges affecting musicians
Responding to the King's Speech, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said:
"We are disappointed not to see an AI Bill in the King’s speech. We have long argued that only a reopening of copyright law can fairly remunerate and protect musicians in an era of music streaming and artificial intelligence.
"Equally, we were hoping to see legislation to protect artists and fans from ticket touts and it’s disappointing that this hasn’t been included in the King’s Speech when it was a Labour manifesto commitment. Secondary ticketing drains money from the UK music industry, putting money into the pockets of touts not artists.
"We are, however, very pleased to see promised action on late payments. This could have a hugely positive impact for many of our members. We also welcome the European Partnership Bill’s aims to strengthen ties with the European Union and we hope that this will translate into concrete improvements for touring musicians, which was again a manifesto commitment.
"These are difficult political times and we as a union will continue to stand firm against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and the far right, and continue our work to defend artistic freedom of expression for musicians."
Also coming up this year is BBC Charter renewal. The BBC is the single biggest employer of musicians in the UK, with over 420 contracted musicians and hundreds more freelancers, and the biggest commissioner of new music.
Labour Unions respond to difficult week for the Prime Minister
The Trade Union Labour Organisation – known as the Labour Unions – released a joint statement outlining the position of the eleven trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party, including the MU.
It says, “Whilst we recognise progress has been made, such as aspects of the Employment Rights Act and the increase in the minimum wage, the results at the election last week were devastating. Labour is not doing enough to deliver the change that working people voted for at the General Election.
“Our focus is on the fundamental change of direction on economic policy and political strategy that unions have been clear is needed, and not on the personalities and unfolding political drama in Westminster.”
Read the full statement via Labour Unions on Instagram.