UJS at NUS Conference 2009

With the forthcoming European Elections, this year's conference was themed around defeating the BNP. As well as receiving Matt Collins as the keynote speaker at conference, delegates voted overwhelmingly to include Searchlight as a partner in NUS' anti-racist anti-fascist activity.

With the forthcoming European Elections, this year's conference was themed around defeating the BNP. As well as receiving Matthew Collins, a former BNP activist and now a prominent anti-fascist anti-racist campaigner as the keynote speaker, delegates voted overwhelmingly to include Searchlight as a partner in NUS' campaigning activity.

UJS was also at the forefront of the campaign that saw over 80% of delegates at the conference vote against supporting the recent student sit-ins that occurred across the country.

The highlight of the conference for many delegates was the Union of Jewish Students' fringe event with Ray Hill, Karen Pollock and Ruth Smeeth. Around 250 students were left inspired and motivated to take action by the speakers especially the moving story of Ray Hill - a former BNP infiltrator, Life member of UJS and honorary vice President of NUS.

The conference ended with an announcement by Wes Streeting, NUS President, that the three Jewish members of NUS committees who had resigned in protest at antisemitism five years ago would now be granted honorary life membership of the NUS, a privilege withheld from them by the President at the time.

UJS looks forward to continuing its positive relationship with the National Union of Students and wish all the newly elected representatives the best of luck with their time in office.