skip to main content

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 July 2021 | 2:10 PM Updated: 01 August 2023 | 1:15 PM
Photograph of stained glass window with insturments and the text
“The EC pledged to put sustainability as one of its primary aims going forwards.” Photocredit: Musicians' Union

Day two of the MU Delegate Conference 2021 opened with music courtesy of the Up North Session Orchestra. Yesterday, conference was treated to live music from the Antonio Forcione Trio.

Sustainability as a primary aim

There were two motions and a great debate today on the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability.

Discussions were held about how the MU can help members to change the way they work in a manageable way, without damaging their ability to work and perform, and the importance of tackling issues such as poverty at the same time.

The EC pledged to put sustainability as one of its primary aims going forwards, and to work with organisations that we already affiliate to such as Julie’s Bicycle and Music Declares Emergency to do what the union can to help deal with the climate emergency.

Further video addresses on Fix Streaming, Safe Space and more

Conference was addressed via video by Kevin Brennan MP, a long time MU friend and member. As a member of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Kevin played a vital role this year in producing the ground-breaking report on streaming, which recommends an overhaul of the system to ensure fair remuneration for musicians.

His speech urged MU members to take action by signing the latest Fix Streaming petition, tweeting, and emailing their MPs in support of the campaign’s aims.

UK Music CEO Jamie Njoku-Goodwin gave a strong message to conference about continuing to work with the MU to fix the issues caused by Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Jamie singled out the MU’s industry leading work on sexual harassment and the Safe Space initiative.

Other video addresses were provided by Ray Hair, President of the AFM, and Joe Frankland, Chief Executive Officer at PRS Foundation. Joe highlighted the Keychange and Power Up initiatives, which both have the MU’s full support.

Call out on Government funding cuts to Higher Education

Other motions passed by conference today commit the MU to supporting the aims of the Alliance for Full Employment and to lobby government on tax relief and other strategies to benefit individual freelance musicians.

A number of the speakers at Conference took the opportunity to call out Government funding cuts to Higher Education music and arts subjects. The planned cut was confirmed yesterday just minutes after day one of MU Delegate Conference came to an end.

Explore more information on the Government’s proposed 50% funding cut to music at Higher Education level.

Catch up with the highlights on Twitter, and key moments as they happened.

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

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
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance