skip to main content

Select Committee on the Impact of Covid-19 on the Creative Industries

Our General Secretary Horace Trubridge will be giving evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industries on Tuesday morning.

Published: 05 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of an open instrument case of a busker
Focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Giving evidence at the Select Committee will be a great opportunity to expand on the detailed responses that the MU has sent to this committee over the last month.

Horace will be focussing on musicians who have fallen through the gaps of the Government’s financial assistance schemes as well as discussing what help will be required in order to allow all musicians to safely go back to work.

Entertainment & Events and Broadcasting working groups

Horace has also been invited onto two of the Government’s COVID-19 working groups – Entertainment & Events, and Broadcasting.

The Entertainment & Events group met this week and discussed ways in which the industry could safely be reopened. Other attendees included representatives from ballet and opera companies, a number of CEOs from the industry, and medical expert James Calder.

The main topic of conversation was how theatres and venues would be able to reopen whilst social distancing remained necessary.

Future actions for lobbying

One key development was DCMS agreeing to talk to Local Authorities and the Police about relaxing busking laws while so many other live performances remain impossible.

This was one of the MU’s asks, and we welcome this positive first step. But there is a lot more work to be done. MU members and musicians signed up to our regular no fear, no fuss email updates are encouraged to keep an eye out for future actions to support our lobbying work.

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 members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities
The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future