skip to main content
Search

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.

See all news

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

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI
All news and features