News & Stories for Musicians

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

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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

Photograph of two very small placards held up at a march, they read

Brexit Deal Contains No Detail for Musicians

The Government has now agreed a Brexit deal with Europe and will bring it back to Parliament on Wednesday for MPs to vote on.

Published: 28 December 2020

Photograph of a violin in a travel case.

Brexit Details for Touring Musicians Unlikely Before End of Transition Period

Even if a Brexit deal is agreed before the transition period ends on Thursday 31 December, it is likely to only give basic essentials, with the potential for further detail.

Published: 21 December 2020

Photograph of two colourful suitcases against a bright yellow background.

Flowchart Guide to Working in the EU from 1 January 2021 Published

Members can now consult the flowchart we have compiled, to help with the increased administration that will be involved when working in Europe from 1 January.

Published: 21 December 2020

The Levaré Quartet: a String Quartet Thriving on Diversity in Post-Brexit Britain

Diversity and spontaneity define the music of the Levaré Quartet, an international ensemble formed by students at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Published: 23 November 2020

An Open Letter on the Threat of Brexit to Creative Working Opportunities

The MU, Equity and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain have urged the Government to come forward with guidance and to stand up for creatives at the ongoing negotiations.

Published: 28 October 2020

Photograph showing a collection of bows for instruments hanging from a wall.

CITES: End of Transition Update

If your instrument contains endangered species and you don't yet have Musical Instrument Certificate (MIC), you can apply for one for free.

Published: 14 October 2020

Photograph of a placard being held up at a march, reading SOS and painted like a European flag

MU Call For Reciprocal Musicians’ Passport to Protect Musicians Working in the EU More Urgent Than Ever

Proposed immigration plans that could cover musicians have come to light and are circulating online.

Published: 21 February 2020

MU Nominates Keir Starmer as Leader and Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

The MU has announced its nomination of Sir Keir Starmer as Leader and former MU member Dr Rosena Allin-Khan as Deputy Leader for the upcoming Labour Party leadership elections.

Published: 06 February 2020

Photograph of sign held up at protest reading

The Fight to Protect Musicians’ Rights Continues Beyond Brexit Day

The UK is out of the European Union as of Friday 31 January. But the fight to protect musicians working in the EU is far from over. More than ever, the campaign for the Musicians’ Passport needs your support.

Published: 31 January 2020

6 MPs on Working in the EU post-Brexit and the Musicians’ Passport

The MU is fighting for a Musicians’ Passport so that you can keep working in the EU post-Brexit. And it looks like the message is getting through.

Published: 27 January 2020

Photograph of small dog writing in a letter. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Tell Your New MP About the Musicians’ Passport

The MU is fighting for musicians’ rights to keep working in the EU post-Brexit. We’re calling for a Musicians’ Passport – and more than 40,000 people have signed the petition to show their support.

Published: 22 January 2020

Next Steps for Musicians Following the General Election

The Conservatives have won an overall majority in the general election. It’s now almost certain that we will get a Tory Brexit, which means musicians are likely to face new barriers to working in the EU post-Brexit.

Published: 13 December 2019

Quiz Your Candidates: Make Sure You’re Voting for the Best Deal for Musicians

In a matter of weeks, the UK will be going to the polls for the third time in four years. The reason? The EU referendum in June 2016, which irrevocably changed our country and our politics and has made it almost impossible for parliament to agree or to function properly.

Published: 04 December 2019

Photo of person releasing confetti into the air

Music Industry Contributes £5.2 Billion to UK Economy – new figures reveal

UK Music’s inaugural Music By Numbers report was published today (20 November) and reveals the key role music plays in the economy.

Published: 20 November 2019

New Brexit Deal Does Nothing for Musicians says MU

New Brexit Deal published today (Thursday 17 October) does not deal with issues for musicians which have been pointed out by the MU and others.

Published: 17 October 2019

DEFRA Releases Update on CITES Permit Applications Ahead of Brexit

Members planning to travel after Brexit with musical instruments that fall under the protected species guidelines are advised to apply for permits as soon as possible.

Published: 11 October 2019

Photograph of an empty stage set up for a band to play.

What Might a No Deal Brexit Mean for Musicians?

In this blog, Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear discusses what the DCMS’s newly published advice implies for British musicians in the event of a no deal Brexit.

Published: 04 October 2019

Photo of Houses of Parliament viewed from across Westminster bridge

MU Delighted at Supreme Court Ruling

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has expressed delight at today’s Supreme Court decision that has ruled that Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament is not only unlawful, but also void.

Published: 25 September 2019

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