Remember, candidates are vying for your vote in the General Election. Your vote matters. Image credit: Shutterstock.
There are big issues on the agenda for this election and the cost of living, the NHS and workers’ rights are front and centre for many trade union members.
At the same time, it is also an opportunity to ask about music and support for musicians as workers.
So when a candidate for MP knocks on your door, or you catch a radio phone in or an ‘ask me anything’ online, here are a few ideas for questions you can ask:
- Are you and your party committed to access to high quality music education for children and young people?
- Will you support increased arts funding to protect jobs and the UK’s position as a world leader in music?
- Are you committed to breaking down barriers for musicians touring in the EU, such as visas, work permits and carnets?
- What will you do to improve workers’ rights and support self-employed musicians?
Backing member campaigns in Wales
If you’re a member based in or near Wales, you may also want to ask about ongoing industrial campaigns at the Welsh National Opera and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
For example:
- Musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra are campaigning to keep WNO as a full time company, stop a proposed 15% pay cut and to ensure a sustainable funding package to protect its future including touring in Wales and England. If elected, what will you do to support their campaign?
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama wants to close its Young RWCDM programme at the end of this academic year. It has over 300 students and supports 118 jobs including six salaried staff members. Would you be willing to make a statement in support of the Young RWCDM and help put pressure on the college to keep this invaluable programme?
Remember, candidates are vying for your vote in the General Election. Your vote matters.
Make your voice heard in the General Election
All voters will need to show an accepted form of photo ID to vote in the General Election on Thursday 4 July. A full list of accepted photo ID is available on the Electoral Commission website.
If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, or have concerns about using an existing form of photo ID for any reason, you can apply for a free document called a Voter Authority Certificate.
The application deadline to get a Voter Authority Certificate for the upcoming General Election is 5:00 pm on Wednesday 26 June.