skip to main content

Racism is a Public Health Crisis

Black Lives Matter UK are calling on the on the public to show support for Black members of the community who are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19 with a musical response on Thursday 4 June.

Published: 03 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 12 July 2021 | 5:08 PM
Photograph of a piano player sat at the keyboard
BAME British people are up to four times more likely to die from Covid-19 than White British people. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Research released on Tuesday 2 June from Public Health England confirmed that BAME British people are far more likely to die from Covid-19 than White British people.  And recent events in the USA have shone a light on the inequalities that Black people are facing in the UK too.

The global pandemic has highlighted the life or death consequences of prejudice and discrimination that have existed for long before.

Black Lives Matter UK is calling on members of the public to make some noise in support of Race and Health on Thursday 4 June, at 7:00 pm by playing Jimmy Cliff’s The Harder They Come, from doorsteps, balconies and gardens.

Further actions

Having participated in the music industry wide call for #TheShowMustBePaused yesterday, we will be highlighting further actions that members can take across our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram social media channels.

We also remind members who are going to be involved in marches and peaceful protests this week to stay safe and follow social distancing guidelines.

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

Blue digital sound waves over a black background.

Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

AI-generated voices, deepfakes and digital replicas are creating new challenges for musicians. Dr Hayleigh Bosher examines why existing UK copyright law may not be enough, and how personality rights could give creators greater control over their image and voice.

Published: 20 July 2026

Read more about Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?
The white M U x LMHR t-shirt on a hanger.

MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt

The MU and Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) have launched a special collaboration at this year's Tolpuddle Festival, celebrating music, solidarity and the fight against racism, with profits supporting anti-racist campaigning and the MU Benevolent Fund.

Published: 17 July 2026

Read more about MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt
Portrait of Chris Walker holding a clarinet.

Tribute to Chris Walker

Chris Walker was an accomplished clarinettist with a lifelong love of music. A much-respected member of the MU's East and South East England Regional Committee, he had been a member of the Union for almost 48 years. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Janet.

Published: 16 July 2026

Read more about Tribute to Chris Walker