Students from the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon and North East Scotland College have joined forces –sending a list of demands to the parliamentary candidates for Aberdeen.
Students from the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon and North East Scotland College have joined forces –sending a list of demands to the parliamentary candidates for Aberdeen. The joint manifesto sets out 10 priorities that matter to students now and calls on candidates to pledge to act on these if elected in the upcoming General Election.
With a combined total of more than 50,000 individuals spread across the three Aberdeen-based institutions, and as many as 30% of students still currently undecided according to recent polls by the National Union of Students (NUS), appealing to these students could have a substantial impact when polls open this Thursday 4th July.
In the document, penned by their respective unions, students call for action on key issues like protecting the right to peaceful protest, removing the cap on working hours for international students, increasing the minimum living wage for apprentices and supporting action on climate change.
University of Aberdeen Students' Union VP for Communities Ainhoa Burgos Aguilera said:
“I’m so pleased to have been able to work together with RGU:Union and NESCol Students’ Association to agree a manifesto that we feel represents the student voice in Aberdeen. We have taken feedback from real students collected over time and turned this into a shortlist of asks, which we’ve sent to the candidates for Aberdeen North and South constituencies this week.
“It’s so important that politicians engage with students and young people, and we’re providing the ideal opportunity for them to set the tone for future lines of communication. We know for a fact that so many students are still undecided so getting them onside could really help move the dial come voting day.”
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The Student Manifesto
What Aberdeen students want to see at the next general election:
This manifesto compiles the top priorities that students in Tertiary Education (RGU, NESCOL, UoA) in Aberdeen are requesting, to address some of the reserved issues which are hindering their living experience. These priorities would improve their academic performance and student experience, their mental health and wellbeing, and their vision on UK academia.
Top priorities for students:
- Protect the right to peaceful protest by repelling the Public Order Act 2023 which threatens democracy.
- Increase the minimum living wage for apprentices.
- Increase funding to NHS.
- Remove the cap on working hours for international students.
- Lower the salary threshold for skilled worker visa.
- Utilise alternative powers and funding to assist students with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ and remove the students from immigration statistics.
- Reduce international student visa fees.
- Extend the graduate route for international students.
- Establish interconnectivity between the universal credit and the student support system.
- Support bold action on climate change by investing in sustainable efficient and secure energy and transport.
Get in touch: email ausa@abdn.ac.uk >>