On 3^rd May the people will go to the polls once again. I know what you are thinking, as Brenda from Bristol put it, “not another one!”. In just the last few years we have had two general elections and a referendum that has resulted in the largest constitutional change in modern British history. Nevertheless, the upcoming local elections are arguably the vote that will have the most impact on your day to day life. You get to decide who will run your local council, ensure bins get collected regularly, pot holes are fixed, trees trimmed, houses built and the public gardens watered.

Young people are less likely to vote in elections than the older generations. According to YouGov only 57% of first time voters (18 and 19 year olds) voted in the 2017 general election compared to 84% of voters of the age of 70. This youth apathy has been used by politicians to attack the youth, for example by trebling tuition fees, without fear of reprimand. A high youth turn out will force politicians to put young people’s interests first. 

Politicians must chose priorities. This is the nature of decision-making with limited resources, and no one disputes this. Each cause has its champions, be it wildlife conservation, accessible education, or productivity and prosperity. These champions are people who the public rely on; that the public depend on.  

Enjoy the video below and our introductions to the talented team working with and for you this year. 

When our community rallied behind our communal leadership and exclaimed ‘enough is enough’ outside parliament, as when we joined the JLC’s meeting at Number 10 in September, we reiterated our faith and confidence in the BoD and JLC to represent our community, and we are certain of their ability to convey the important issues our community faces within the Labour Party succinctly and appropriately. As such, UJS will not be attending the roundtable with the leader of the opposition following the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council’s meeting on 24^th April. 

This year, Israel celebrates its 70^th year of independence, where everyone who is somewhat touched by Israel’s culture, history, or religiosity can come together and share their own personal reflections and experiences with Israel.

DAY ONE

UJS Stall: As in previous years, UJS ran a stall in the exhibition part of the conference. As well showcasing our work to support J-Socs and Jewish students around the country, delegates who visited the stall were also able to register their interest in the Poland trips that we run for sabbatical officers in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust. These trips are part of a wider programme combatting campus antisemitism supported by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

After a hard fought campaign, Izzy Lenga was sadly not re-elected as NUS Vice President (Welfare). Next year’s NUS Vice President (Welfare) will be Eva Crossan-Jory, current president at Goldsmiths Students’ Union.

We can categorically state that BDS has never received backing from 700 NUS elected leaders, let alone the 7 million students NUS represents.

Delegates voting at NUS National Conference 2018

Looking back to when I arrived in Glasgow, Conference was a little different to what I expected. From to delegates in chicken hats to an occupation of Conference floor, it was quite an experience- but definitely three days well spent.