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

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords