25.10.24 UK Music hosted a well attended Parliamentary Staffer Reception in Westminster on Wednesday October 23.

UK Music co-sponsored the event at Sinfonia Smith Square, alongside partners BVCA, IKEA, MIMA, and Openreach. Organised by Total Politics, more than 300 cross-party Parliamentary staffers attended the event.

The evening featured a panel with former Conservative Minister Paul Scully and Chair of GMB Members’ Staff Jenny Symmons, hosted by the Deputy Editor of The House, Sienna Rodgers. The panel discussed difficult topics including how to deal with troubling casework as well as lighter subjects such as the best place in Westminster for lunch.

At the event, UK Music’s Chief Executive Tom Kiehl, Dougie Brown and Hannah McLennan hosted a well-attended stall and spoke to Parliamentary staff about the aims of UK Music.

They shared details on the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music, for which UK Music runs the secretariat, and discussed some of the most pressing policy issues for the sector including the impact of AI and the threat to grassroots music venues.

With noise-cancelling earplugs kindly provided by Flare Audio, the UK Music team were also able to educate attendees on the importance of looking after your hearing when attending live music events.

With many brand-new members of Parliamentary staff in attendance, the event was a clear success and helped UK Music showcase the crucial value of music to a fresh audience.