skip to main content

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024 | 1:05 PM
Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer voices his support for music education for all, and access to art for everyone. Image credit: Getty Images.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer used his Labour Party Conference leader’s speech to voice his support for music education for all and access to art for everyone.

Every child deserves the chance to study the creative subjects that widen their horizons

He talked about opportunities given to him by playing the flute with Croydon Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and how listening to classical music supports his wellbeing now.

Starmer also spoke powerfully about the power of opportunity, saying “Everyone deserves the chance to be touched by art. Everyone deserves access to moments that light up their lives.

@wearethemu Prime Minister Keir Starmer voices his support for music education for all, and access to art for everyone 🌹 The MU is here in Liverpool for Labour Party Conference, talking to MPs and decision-makers about the big issues facing musicians Did you know that the MU is the only trade union for musicians in the UK? We exist to protect the working rights of all musicians, from collective bargaining to campaigning for a fairer music industry Learn more at theMU.org #Lab24 Footage: Labour Party Video description: Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking on the main stage at Labour Party Conference 2024. He is wearing a charcoal suit with a silver tie and glasses, and is standing at a podium with the words “change begins” emblazoned across the front and a plain red backdrop behind him. #MusicEducation #LabourPartyConference #LabourConference2024 #Musicians #TradeUnion #MusiciansUnion ♬ original sound - WeAreTheMU

“And every child deserves the chance to study the creative subjects that widen their horizons, provide skills employers do value, and prepares them for the future, the jobs and the world that they will inherit.”

More highlights from Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU attends Labour Party Conference every year to speak to MPs and delegates about the issues facing musicians and to vote on motions that form the basis of Labour policy.

Highlights of this year’s conference so far include:

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, Assistant General Secretary Matt Wanstall and Head of Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez have met with more than two dozen MPs to make sure your voice is heard at the heart of Government.

 

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Make a change in your local area or within your music sector, or to be part of the governing body of the union. Get involved with the Musicians' Union's work.

Members can get involved and shape the future of music through the MU's democratic structures.

There are many ways to get involved 

and much more.

Shape MU policy

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Continue reading

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025

Read more about Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025