skip to main content

MU Takes Further Action to Support Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine

The EC has agreed on a £10,000 donation on behalf of members to support ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and we have some suggestions for those wishing to email MPs about the refugee crisis.

Published: 14 March 2022 | 6:22 PM Updated: 21 March 2022 | 3:00 PM
Banner reading Make Peace Make Music in yellow and blue, the colours of the Ukraine flag.
We know that MU members are very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and keen to express solidarity and take action in support of the country and its people.

The EC has agreed on a £10,000 donation on behalf of members to support ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. We also suggest the following for those who are able to donate further:

  • Music venues in Ukraine are turning themselves into shelters and have put together a funding campaign to buy essential items. Visit Music Saves UA, a non-profit fundraising project created to provide immediate humanitarian help to those who need it most right now in Ukraine.
  • DEC has launched the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, with Government pledging to match donations up to £20m.
  • ICRC has launched the Ukraine Crisis Appeal to support Red Cross teams providing humanitarian aid to people in Ukraine and refugees arriving in neighbouring countries.
  • UN Refugees is also upscaling its work in Ukraine and surrounding countries providing protection and humanitarian assistance.
  • The Voices of Children Foundation is providing assistance to children and families in Ukraine and assisting in the evacuation process.

Also, a group of volunteer legal professionals with immigration and asylum expertise have set up the Ukraine Advice Project UK to connect Ukrainian citizens in need of free legal advice on immigration, asylum and visas with qualified and regulated lawyers.

Take action by writing to your MP

If you would like to email your MP about the refugee crisis, here are some suggested points to make:

  • Please ask the government to ensure that visas are quick and easy to apply for and receive. Some Ukrainians are waiting for weeks.
  • The government needs to take the lead in matching refugees with potential host families in the new ‘house a refugee scheme’ otherwise many Ukrainians will not be able to benefit.
  • Please ask the government to increase the number of Ukrainian refugees that it is accepting into the UK.

Read more ways that you can express solidarity with Ukraine, including assets for use on social media.

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

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance