York University Students’ Union to remain affiliated to NUS as large numbers vote in referendum

YUSU president says, while the result is positive for the Yes campaign, it does 'not mark the end of our discussion about NUS reform'

The controversial election of NUS president, Malia Bouattia, pictured, sparked disaffiliation referendums across the UK (NUS)

The students’ union (SU) at York University (YUSU) has become the latest to vote to remain affiliated with the NUS after a larger-than-expected student turnout in the institution-wide referendum.

With 2,741 votes cast overall - 15.7 per cent of the full-time student population - 1,461 voted to remain, while 1,233 voted disaffiliation following the controversial election of NUS National President, Malia Bouattia.

To put the significance of the referendum into context, YUSU said the last time it asked students to consider the question of NUS affiliation in 2014, just 1,259 students - or 7.6 per cent of the population turned out to vote.

YUSU president, Benjamin Leatham, acknowledged that students “have not taken their votes lightly,” and said that, while the result is a positive one for the Yes campaign team, it “does not mark the end of our discussion about NUS reform.”

He continued: “This has been a constant theme through the referendum period, and it is one which we must remain focused on in the months ahead

“I am firmly of the belief that working together will bring more benefits for more students, but we need to build on the conversation we have started to ensure the NUS is truly representing all students.

“This means articulating a clear vision for change and ensuring all members of the student body have the opportunity to remain involved in this conversation.”

YUSU now joins the SUs at Exeter, Warwick, Surrey, Essex, and the two Oxbridge universities to remained affiliated to NUS. Lincoln, Newcastle, Hull, and Loughborough, however, are all preparing to break away, costing the national student campaigner an estimated £170,000 in affiliation fees.

The election of Ms Bouattia, 28, sparked outrage in April after her campaign was hit with allegations of anti-Semitism in the days running up to her being chosen as leader. She has always strongly denied all allegations made against her, though, including that she is an “Isis sympathiser.”

Politicians also criticised an NUS debate on anti-Semitism after it heard arguments against commemorating the Holocaust.

In an interview with Channel 4 News, Ms Bouattia said: “I have always condemned Isis, and I will continue to.

“Being a Muslim woman, in the limelight, holding a position of power has meant it doesn’t matter there are total untruths to it. I will still be branded an Isis sympathiser.”

Richard Brooks, NUS vice president of union development, said he was “delighted” with Friday’s YUSU result, and said the NUS is already “working hard” to improve its democratic processes and reform it membership structure.

He added: “YUSU have always been champions of democratic reform within NUS and we look forward to working with them as we undertake a wide-ranging consultation on the future of our democracy, as well as improving how we support SUs and student opportunities. Every vote for leaving NUS is one we should listen to and learn from.”