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The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, explains how the MU political fund provides invaluable help for members.

Published: 24 August 2021

Member only Read more about The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Photograph of a pile of touring creates, behind a large metal fence.

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

The MU cautiously welcomes the Government’s announcement – made on Wednesday 4 August – that visa-free short-term touring is allowed in 19 member states, but it does not solve many of the problems currently facing musicians touring in the EU.

Published: 05 August 2021

Photograph of a number of travel crates ready to pack concert equipment in for a tour.

Piping Centre to Give Free Talk on Post-Brexit Working for Musicians

The National Piping Centre in Scotland will be running a free online-workshop, explaining the new Brexit requirements, on Wednesday 11 August at 2:00 pm.

Published: 30 July 2021

Photograph of the houses of parliament in the bright sunshine.

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Jo Stevens MP shared a powerful message with MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

Published: 23 July 2021

Photograph of stained glass window with insturments and the text

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

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Published: 14 July 2021

Photograph of an airplane flying up and through a darkening sky, with sun beams escaping through the clouds

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

We’ve now released a recording of the webinars and Q&A session we put on, explaining the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species.

Published: 06 July 2021

Photograph of the clock face of Big Ben against a stormy looking pink and grey sky.

Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

In this Brexit update we discuss Lord Frost’s first appearance at the DCMS Select Committee, and our plans for moving forward.

Published: 30 June 2021

Photograph of musician Lizzy Hardingham, she is laughing and looking past the camera in a brightly coloured jacket,

Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Singer-songwriter and folk musician Lizzy Hardingham discusses why she’s glad she was pointed in the MU’s direction.

Published: 30 June 2021

Photograph of a guitarist performing on stage, they are sillhouted against a pink light in the background.

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

A new campaign launched by #LetTheMusicMove brought widespread social media action from artists, music professionals and fans across the UK on Wednesday 23 June.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of a small, empty stage, with drum set, microphone and amplifier set up to play.

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

Dave Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, discusses the state of the industry in this blog – from the delay in restrictions lifting, through to Brexit, and the audiences desperate to get back to live listening.

Published: 17 June 2021

Photograph of a touring crate waiting to be transported on a rainy European street.

MU and ISM Bitterly Disappointed That Lord Frost has 'Dodged' Select Committee Scrutiny

Together with the ISM, we have expressed extreme disappointment that the Brexit Secretary Lord Frost has, at the eleventh hour, cancelled his appearance before the Parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee on 10 June.

Published: 10 June 2021

Photograph of an empty stage in a jazz bar. Unattended instruments are set up, a double bass, a piano and a drum kit.

Survey Reveals Brexit Paperwork is a ‘Complete Nightmare’ For Musicians

According to the results from our new joint survey with the ISM, 77% of musicians expect their earnings in Europe to decrease due to new documents and fees.

Published: 25 May 2021

Photograph of some touring equipment, a box for packing and parts of a stage frame.

Take Action for Carry on Touring Campaign’s Call for Visa Free Travel

Umbrella campaign Carry on Touring are calling touring professionals and artists to join their mass action over social media, by posting a touring ready selfie on Twitter.

Published: 13 May 2021

Photograph of Big Ben, a below photo showing just the clock face angled against a cloudy sky.

Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

In this lobbying update, MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses how we will be using the results from our Brexit survey when it closes next week, and other actions in Parliament.

Published: 29 April 2021

A young musician is working on a keyboard with a microphone, speakers and computer set up in front of them. There is warm but dark lighting.

The Copyright Directive

In this feature Mark Sutherland discusses the European Copyright Directive in detail, and looks at the vital actions that must take place to protect UK music industry in the post-Brexit environment.

Published: 26 April 2021

Scottish Band Gnoss: “Membership Has Made Us Feel More Connected to Our Industry”

Young, Glasgow-based band Gnoss, discusses how membership of the MU has both given them invaluable tools on their journey, and helped them feel that they have someone in their corner.

Published: 15 April 2021

Black and white photo of a row of large your busses at a stand still.

Brexit Testimonies: “I Desperately Need Some Resolution to This Problem”

Together with the ISM, we have compiled testimonies from a number of musicians, detailing the immediate impact of Brexit – here is one such account from the violinist Catherine Manson.

Published: 15 April 2021

Photograph of a brass band ensemble, we can only see the feet of the closest musicians, with other musicians holding brass instruments slightly blurred in the background.

Brexit: 5 Minutes of Your Time to Help Us Keep The Pressure Up On The Government

Take the short, anonymous survey that we are running with the ISM and make sure that the Government doesn’t forget about the problems that Brexit is causing for touring musicians.

Published: 15 April 2021

Two UK passports back to back, one is the old style EU red passport, the other is the newer blue passport.

Brexit Guidance Video Released Following Panel Event

We’ve released a recording of our panel event, “What’s the deal?” which focused on process, lobbying, sales/merchandise rules and more for musicians working in the EU.

Published: 09 April 2021

Photograph of a row of different brightly coloured t-shirts.

We’ve Updated Our Brexit Flow Chart With More Information

We have updated the MU – 'Flowchart Guide to Working In Europe', created to give members a better understanding of the hoops they have to jump through when planning a tour or shows in the EU.

Published: 01 April 2021

Sun sets over the port of Dover with a beautiful orange, yellow and pink sky - there are white cliffs and lorries parked everywhere.

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave evidence to MPs and said the Government was working “flat out” to find a solution to mobility issues around visas, work permits and moving goods between the UK and EU.

Published: 25 March 2021

A German red train running in hazy dusky light through a field of yellowy green grass.

UK Music Makers Call on Government for Urgent European Touring Transition Fund

The call comes following concerns that Brexit border bureaucracy is killing the export of UK music through increased costs and processes, putting the world-class standing of UK music at risk.

Published: 18 March 2021

Photograph of a van being loaded with crates of musical equipment.

Brexit Update: Continued Pressure is Making an Impact

In our latest Brexit update, we discuss how the urgent challenges facing musicians can only be immediately solved if the UK Government negotiates a bespoke visa waiver agreement with the EU for the creative sector, and what is being done right now to put the pressure on them.

Published: 12 March 2021

Photograph of the houses of parliament taken in the evening.

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Musicians’ Union, have welcomed the UK Government’s firm commitment to solve the critical issues facing touring post-Brexit.

Published: 18 February 2021

Photograph of the Berlin skyline, in the golden hour.

Lobbying Update: Piling on the Pressure

Another week, another Brexit debate in parliament about touring musicians and yet more pressure being put on the Government to sort the situation out.

Published: 09 February 2021

Two sets of drum sticks lie on different instruments in a percussion section set up but with absent musicians.

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Musicians’ Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians, are jointly calling for improved touring arrangements after Brexit.

Published: 08 February 2021

A number of instruments in hard cases proped at the side of a stage, looking slightly chaotic.

Lobbying Update: Practical Action

This week, we’ve been focussed on practical ways in which we can move the issue of Brexit forward – following weeks of arguments between the UK and the EU over where the fault lies for the lack of agreement over movement for musicians.

Published: 28 January 2021

Photograph of a miniature placard held up at a protest, it reads

Evidence on Challenges Musicians Face as a Result of the Brexit Deal Presented to House of Lords

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge spoke to members of the House of Lords about the challenges facing musicians working in the EU as a result of the Brexit Deal.

Published: 25 January 2021

Portrait photograph of Lord Holmes, he wears a blue suit against a plain grey background and a serious expression.

Work Arrangements for UK Musicians in the EU: The Show Must Go On

In this blog, originally posted on Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE’s website and reposted here with his kind permission, he discusses how music is an important part of all of us – and a massive cultural export for the UK which must be protected.

Published: 25 January 2021

Photograph of a confusing sign post, arrows indicating the same thing are pointing in different directions.

Lobbying Update: Another Week, Another Brexit Argument

In this week’s lobbying update, find out more about how issues for touring musicians were covered in yesterday’s debate in parliament and what the MU intends to focus on moving forward.

Published: 20 January 2021

Photograph of the sun setting over the houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

We received vital coverage on the need for a Musicians' Passport in today’s parliamentary debate. Find out what happened, what our next actions will be, and how you can get involved.

Published: 19 January 2021

Photograph of the Palace of Westminster under a cold blue January sky.

Lobbying Update: A Busy Week on the Brexit Front

In our latest lobbying update, we discuss Brexit – from a lack of clarity over who is responsible for there not being a work permit exemption, to the PM being quizzed on touring in the EU during PMQs.

Published: 15 January 2021

Golden euphonium lies on a brown wooden stage in the light of a spotlight

We Demand Support from the PM for British Musicians Planning to Tour the EU

Our General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, has today written to the Prime Minister highlighting the barriers facing British musicians seeking to tour the EU in the post-lockdown era.

Published: 15 January 2021

Photograph of a musician walking, whilst carrying a guitar in a hard case. We can only see the musicians arms and torso, the guitar case is well worn looking.

No ATA Carnet Needed for Touring Between NI and rest of UK

We’ve had confirmation that members based in England, Scotland and Wales do not currently require an ATA Carnet to gig in Northern Ireland, and vice versa.

Published: 14 January 2021

Photograph of Big Ben from across Westminister bridge, traffic is rushing past leaving blurred lights behind.

PM Agrees to MPs Meeting to Discuss Agreement for Touring Musicians

Kevin Brennan MP asked the Prime Minister on behalf of our members, if there would be a meeting for senior MPs to discuss an agreement with the EU for touring musicians – to which he agreed.

Published: 13 January 2021

Photograph of a drum kit, a person sits behind the drum kit, we can just see their legs, arms and the drum sticks frozen in action.

Leak Confirms that Government Rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians

We’re angry and alarmed to learn the news that the UK Government rejected an EU offer of visa-free touring by British musicians.

Published: 10 January 2021

Three of the familiar, blue plastic European Health Insurance Cards stacked against a pale blue background

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

We’ve received welcome news that the EHIC will not be scrapped as previously thought, but phased out and replaced with the GHIC.

Published: 07 January 2021

Jazz saxophonist performing outdoors at a music festival.

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

An evidence session held today as part of the DCMS’ select committee festivals inquiry raised issues such as how the Cultural Recovery Fund does not benefit musicians, Brexit concerns, and the need for a Covid-proof insurance scheme.

Published: 05 January 2021

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament

There continues to be no clarity for musicians in the Brexit deal, which has now been voted on in parliament and passed.

Published: 30 December 2020

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All News and Features

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

Piping Centre to Give Free Talk on Post-Brexit Working for Musicians

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

Is It Live or Dead: The State of The Live Music Industry in The UK

MU and ISM Bitterly Disappointed That Lord Frost has 'Dodged' Select Committee Scrutiny

Survey Reveals Brexit Paperwork is a ‘Complete Nightmare’ For Musicians

Take Action for Carry on Touring Campaign’s Call for Visa Free Travel

Lobbying Update: Using Our Brexit Survey Issues to Press for Change

The Copyright Directive

Scottish Band Gnoss: “Membership Has Made Us Feel More Connected to Our Industry”

Brexit Testimonies: “I Desperately Need Some Resolution to This Problem”

Brexit: 5 Minutes of Your Time to Help Us Keep The Pressure Up On The Government

Brexit Guidance Video Released Following Panel Event

We’ve Updated Our Brexit Flow Chart With More Information

Prime Minister Promises to Fix Brexit Crisis for Creative Industries

UK Music Makers Call on Government for Urgent European Touring Transition Fund

Brexit Update: Continued Pressure is Making an Impact

The Government Makes a Firm Commitment to Save Touring in Europe

Lobbying Update: Piling on the Pressure

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

Lobbying Update: Practical Action

Evidence on Challenges Musicians Face as a Result of the Brexit Deal Presented to House of Lords

Work Arrangements for UK Musicians in the EU: The Show Must Go On

Lobbying Update: Another Week, Another Brexit Argument

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

Lobbying Update: A Busy Week on the Brexit Front

We Demand Support from the PM for British Musicians Planning to Tour the EU

No ATA Carnet Needed for Touring Between NI and rest of UK

PM Agrees to MPs Meeting to Discuss Agreement for Touring Musicians

Leak Confirms that Government Rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

Brexit Deal Voted Through in Parliament