They say a week is a long time in politics – well how about a month! Since I last wrote an update, the entire political and social context for students has been shaken.
First of all, let me start with what matters most: student safety. The tragic events at the fire in the Bolton student accommodation block this past month. NUS UK – and students across the country – were horrified to see the scenes unfolding before our eyes in Bolton. The response, however, showed our unity and all that is good about our movement.
In NUS Scotland, we were delighted to partner with student associations across the country in signing a joint statement to request the Scottish Government “take the lead” into a review of safety standards in student accommodation. More, on behalf of our student association members, we wrote to the Scottish Government on this very issue, applying more pressure and making clear that, on behalf of Scotland’s students, we will not be complacent when it comes to the safety of our students. At First Minister’s Questions that very week, we got our answer. We secured a firm commitment from Nicola Sturgeon that the Scottish Government was open to a review of safety within student accommodation, particularly privately owned, purpose-built student accommodation.
Students – like everyone – have a right to housing that is safe, habitable, and affordable; something the National Union of Students has long campaigned for. One of NUS Scotland’s priority pieces of work this year is to ensure proper protections are in place for those living in PBSA. In light of the Bolton fire, we believe this work is now urgent.
During all this, NUS Scotland had launched their general election manifesto and have been encouraging students to register to vote. Representatives from across Scottish education – NUS Scotland, Universities Scotland, EIS and the University and College Union (UCU) – called upon all students to make their voices heard. For example, NUS Scotland’s ‘Got Five’ campaign had been working with the electoral commission to make sure every student throughout the country was registered by the 26th November deadline. Launching a resource hub, toolkit and campaign resources, NUS encouraged all students’ associations to bring the campaign to their campus.
With the general election taking place as things begin to wind down for Christmas at colleges and universities, NUS Scotland was urging students to ensure they didn’t lose their chance to vote. What happened? A staggering 2.6 million 18-35 year-olds signed up to vote since the general election was called. For this generation, there has never been a higher stakes election. Only by using their vote can students across Scotland ensure their voices are heard, creating change on their campus, in their communities and across society.
Now our pledges: the NUS Scotland manifesto calls on political parties to back policies that will not just benefit students, but reshape society for the better.
The manifesto demands a People’s Vote, increased investment in education and public services with more funding available to the Scottish Government, an end to the damaging impact of Universal Credit to students, UK government action to tackle the climate emergency, votes at 16, opposition to voter ID, and more.
For too long, student voices have been ignored and disregarded by the UK Government. This general election is our opportunity to change that.
Whether it be the damaging Brexit process which continues to erode student opportunities and funding, the effects of a hostile, dehumanising immigration system for student migrants, or sustained cuts to education budgets throughout the country, we have been imploring students to make their voices heard.
NUS are demanding a final say on any Brexit deal agreed by the UK Parliament, a properly funded education system and an accessible, open democratic process, ensuring votes at 16 and opposing the introduction of voter ID.
NUS Scotland has been at the forefront of fighting for education, equality and social justice throughout our history.
We will continue to ensure Scotland’s students are heard and we will be across the country uniting our movement to vote on 12 December.”
Feature Image Credit- NUS Scotland
