Theory and analysis

The last day of the NUS national conference saw intense factional fighting over a democratic reform motion, capping off an intensely divided conference. After speeches decrying the underhanded and at times aggressive tactics of campaigners, including personal attacks and racism, as well as an impassioned warning against depoliticisation, conference discussed a motion that aimed at a full overhaul of the democratic structures of the NUS. This included: The move from STV to Read more…

Incumbent Malia Bouattia loses to Shakira Martin for NUS president after only a year in power! Martin drew attention to her professionalism, expert research, unity and credibility in representing further education, working with institutions to win reforms etc. Making a big U-turn from her left-wing credentials in the past year, she has shared a platform with the Blairites in the conference. Everyone at conference has drawn attention to the same issues: fees, Read more…

Developments on first day of conference: Speeches from a founder of Black Lives Matter, and a Syrian refugee, along with a clip demonstrating the dangers refugees face in travelling to the West. Delegates voted to educate and mobilise around the general election, register voters, educate students on key issues and pressure politicians (with an amendment demanding that the NUS is not to be “partisan or divisive”). Voted to oppose Teaching Excellence Framework Read more…