skip to main content

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

MU welcomes the appointment of the New Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Powell MP.

Published: 02 December 2021 | 11:11 AM Updated: 03 December 2021 | 12:17 PM
Lucy Powell MP stands with microphone, she's wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket. The crowd is out of focus.
The MU look forward to meeting and working with Lucy Powell. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Powell (formally Shadow Housing Secretary) has taken over from Cardiff Central MP Jo Stevens, who took on the Shadow DCMS role on 6 April 2020.

Reacting to the news, the MP for Manchester Central Lucy Powell said:

 “[I’m] delighted to have been appointed shadow secretary of State for DCMS. It’s a big brief with many big issues: the rise of digital tech, online harms and social media, sport governance, making the arts, culture and music accessible, valuing content, and supporting public broadcasting.”

The MU look forward to meeting and working with Lucy Powell. We also thank outgoing Jo Stevens MP who remains a longstanding friend of the MU, and wish her well in her new role as Shadow Secretary of State for Wales.

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

Close up of someone composing. They are holding an acoustic guitar while sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, whilst also writing notes on a tablet.

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers
A light blue background with white blocks featuring a speech bubble and three dots inside, representing talking. There is one block above them which has a red stop sign inside.

MU Reiterates Position on Freedom of Expression and Discrimination

In light of recent cases in which artists have had performances cancelled after expressing personal political views, the MU has reiterated its position on freedom of expression, political speech and opposition to all forms of hate and discrimination.

Published: 16 September 2026

Read more about MU Reiterates Position on Freedom of Expression and Discrimination
The back of a crowd of people holding black placards which show a fist holding crunched up paper with the text

Join the MU at Birmingham’s Unity Rally

On Sunday 4 October, the MU Midlands region will join more than 60 organisations, affiliated TUC trade unions, community groups and charities in Birmingham for a rally celebrating unity over division and hate. MU members are encouraged to join us on the day.

Published: 16 September 2026

Read more about Join the MU at Birmingham’s Unity Rally