*
banner

Musicians Union demands explanation of unbelievable EU decision

The Musicians Union is demanding that the UK Government explain why it turned down the opportunity to allow performers the chance to gain free permit access to Europe.

Brexit
  Brexit has caused problems for musicians wishing to perform in the EU

Pressure is mounting on the British Government to explain why a proposal to exempt performers and musicians from the cost and burden of work permits to the European Union was turned down by the UK negotiators.

Nigh-on unbelievable

It is a revelation that has brought understandable fury from the Musicians Union, with MU General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, who represents over 32,000 members, stating that the decision, if true, was "nigh-on unbelievable".

In the latest online statement on the MU website he said: "With the British music business having been devastated by Covid-19 and with no end in sight to the black hole of cancelled concerts, tours, festivals and regular gigs that is the very bedrock of our world-class industry, the news, if true, that our own elected representatives chose to turn down such an offer is nigh-on unbelievable."

Confirm or deny

He went on to state that the freedom of economic movement was vital to an industry worth £5.8bn to the UK economy and was now demanding that the Culture Minister confirms or denies that it was the UK Government that blocked the deal.

Condemnation of the news has come from many sources. Labour MP, Angela Rayner called it "an utterly stupid decision and a hammer blow to our musicians, performing artists and the whole music industry which need support to get through this crisis and rebuild in the future."

Help

In addition, Mr Horace said that the Musicians Union was briefing MPs to ask questions demanding that financial support be given to both live performers and those freelance musicians who remain with no financial assistance during lockdown.

The MU is asking for the Government to back an 'admin-light' Musicians' Passport that would allow free or cheap movement throughout the EU for a period of two years — getting rid of the need for carnets and permits and would cover road crews, technicians and other support staff.

Music and the performing arts rely on exchange of ideas and interaction between performers of different nationalities. We love working in the EU and we love artists coming over hereMusicians Union

Damaged reputation

Mr Horace concluded:"Music and the performing arts rely on exchange of ideas and interaction between performers of different nationalities. We love working in the EU and we love artists coming over here.

If musicians can't travel easily both ways, our reputation as a country that embraces all arts and culture will be severely damaged. Our members' ability to earn a living will also be severely affected."

A petition to force a debate in Parliament on the subject has already attracted almost a quarter of a million signatures.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd