National Union of Students: Elections

(asked on 25th May 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, under what provision the Minister of State for Universities contacted Civica Election Services to challenge the election of the incoming president of the National Union of Students.


Answered by
Michelle Donelan Portrait
Michelle Donelan
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
This question was answered on 10th June 2022

I have been deeply concerned to hear the allegations of antisemitism linked to the National Union of Students (NUS) and believe that strong action is needed, especially as NUS has been the subject of similar allegations on at least another two occasions in recent years. This is why I announced on 13 May 2022 that the government would be disengaging with them, until we are satisfied that they have taken effective steps to address the allegations.

The financial impact of this decision is a matter for the NUS, not for the government. But we are working to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by our disengagement with the NUS. We will continue to talk with students’ groups such as the Office for Students’ panel and directly with students’ unions throughout the period of disengagement.

I have also contacted Civica Election Services to ask whether they are satisfied with the integrity of the elections for the incoming NUS president, given the publicity around antisemitic statements she is alleged to have made.

Jewish students need to have confidence that the NUS is a body that represents them, as well as other students. The government will re-engage with them once we and the Union of Jewish Students and Community Security Trust (in relation to the broader Jewish community) are satisfied that it does so.

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