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Musicians’ Union backs Owen Smith in Labour leadership race
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 8 August 2016
The Musicians’ Union is backing Owen Smith in the Labour Party’s leadership election, following a vote by its Executive Committee. As well as reckoning that Smith will better push the needs of musicians in Parliament, the trade group also expressed concerns over Jeremy Corbyn’s response to the EU Referendum.
“I am pleased that the Executive Committee has voted to endorse a candidate who has been such a good friend to the Union over the past few years”, says MU General Secretary John Smith. “Owen has met with us on a regular basis, and has supported the MU on issues such as protection of live music venues, copyright protection, fair pay for musicians and arts funding matters”.
On EU affairs, the MU chief goes on: “[Owen Smith] is also offering a second referendum based on approval of the terms of Brexit, which is undoubtedly an attractive option for many musicians concerned about what Brexit might mean. Jeremy Corbyn on the other hand called for article 50 to be invoked almost immediately after the Brexit vote was announced”.
Smith himself (ie Owen) says in a letter to the MU: “I understand the anger felt by many MU members following the EU referendum result. Open borders, European funding, protective copyrights and social dialogue on live performances are now all in jeopardy. Employment and health and safety rights derived from our membership of the EU are now threatened. I don’t trust the Tories to make Brexit work. That’s why, under my leadership, Labour will demand the final Brexit deal is signed off by the British people, either through a General Election or a second referendum”.
Members of the Musicians’ Union who joined before 12 Jan 2016 and are paying into the organisation’s political fund will be eligible to vote in the Labour leadership election. The deadline to register to vote is today. More details on that here.
