21.09.2026: The Liberal Democrats have formally adopted the policy motion Making Music Matter as party policy after members overwhelmingly backed the motion at their Autumn Conference — including a key amendment calling on local councils to write and adopt a Local Music Action Charter, an initiative developed by UK Music to strengthen local music ecosystems.

The motion marked the launch of the party’s Music Manifesto by Culture, Media and Sport Spokesperson Anna Sabine MP. It reflects several UK Music asks such as support for EU touring, better music education and managing the impact of AI on the industry.

The adoption of the amendment marks a significant step forward for UK Music’s campaign to embed music in local planning, licensing, education and economic development. Local Music Action Charter provide councils with a practical framework to support venues, nurture talent and grow the cultural economy.

The vote capped a high-profile weekend for UK Music at the conference. The organisation played a central role in one of the most popular fringe events the Amped Lib Dem Disco, sponsored by UK Music and TikTok and organised by the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC) and Cambridge Lib Dems as part of the Amped series of events for party conferences.

The disco saw MPs Jess Brown-Fuller, Calum Miller and Bobby Dean, alongside Councillor Mark Roberts battle it out in a DJ contest that delighted activists. The contest was won by Calum Miller MP, despite Dean bringing on garage MC Tre Lowe of the Architechs to perform the 2000 classic Body Groove.

Party Leader Sir Ed Davey kicked off the night by leading a rousing rendition of Sweet Caroline. Despite being mobbed by activists, he still found time to speak with UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl about the organisation’s priorities.

With the Local Music Action Charter now embedded in Liberal Democratic policy, UK Music will continue working with councils and partners across England to encourage action for musicians, venues and communities.

Photo (L-R): UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey