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Musicians’ Union Welcomes Brexit Delay

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has welcomed the European Union’s (EU) offer to postpone Brexit beyond 29 March. We had real concerns that parliament would not come to an agreement in time to avoid a No Deal scenario.

Published: 21 March 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

EU leaders have now offered to delay Brexit until 22 May if MPs approve Theresa May’s deal in parliament next week.

If the deal is not approved, there will be a shorter delay until 12 April at which point the UK will have to set out its next steps or leave without a deal.

Whilst the MU welcomes this extension, we urge parliament to use the time productively. Members should note that during any extension, freedom of movement will remain the same.

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge says:

“Freedom of movement is vital to musicians’ careers, which is why the MU does not support Theresa May’s deal.

“It is also clear that her deal does not command a majority in parliament. Given that a No Deal Brexit would be as disastrous for our members as for the country in general, I urge the government and parliament to use this short delay to come up with a new plan.

“The MU view is clear. We support revoking Article 50, or a second referendum. Failing that, we might support a different Brexit deal if it protected freedom of movement and involved no reduction in workers’ rights or the rights of EU citizens living in this country.”

See our Brexit advice hub for more on Brexit and how it may affect musicians.

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