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

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music