MU Statement on Racist, Anti-Migrant Violence in the UK

The MU is concerned by the ongoing targeting of people from the Global Majority, including events in Southampton in May and more recently the violence that erupted in Belfast and Glasgow.

We stand in solidarity with our Global Majority members, and colleagues within the music industry more broadly, who should be able to live and work without fear of violence or compromising their safety.

These concerns are growing as we see more frequent unrest and violence towards people from the Global Majority amidst a rise in far right rhetoric in politics and the media.

Any members who are worried about upcoming engagements in light of this violence are advised to get in touch with their regional office for advice.

Support for refugee members

• Visit the Scottish Refugee Council for safety advice and information for communities affected by far-right terror.
• Visit the MU’s page for a UK-wide list of organisations and resources for musicians who would like to do more to support refugees and asylum seekers.

Support for members who experience or witness Islamophobia

• The Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) service records and measures anti-Muslim incidents and supports victims of Islamophobia across the UK.
• MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) is a not-for-profit company that helps to empower and encourage British Muslims within local communities to be more actively involved in British media and politics.
• The IRU (Islamophobia Response Unit) is an independent charity established to assist people who have been subjected to Islamophobic hate crimes and discrimination based incidents. It provides a platform for victims to confidentially report their experiences and receive legal support, basic emotional support, and access to other referral agencies.

General support for musicians

• Music Minds Matter is a free support service for people working in music, offering confidential mental health support, information, advice and access to counselling. Run by the charity Help Musicians, it provides a dedicated helpline and practical support for those experiencing mental health challenges.
• Music Support is a charity supporting people in the UK music industry with mental health, addiction and recovery challenges. It offers peer support, wellbeing services, training and a confidential, dedicated helpline for anyone in need of support.