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politics
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DEMO 2012: EDUCATE, EMPLOY, EMPOWER President of Kingston University Students’ Union, Sean Kelly, faces a grilling about the upcoming national demonstration and why he wants Kingston students to take part. You’re our new KUSU president and you’re very involved in the demo against cuts and unemployment. Were you a part of the previous demos in 2010 and 2011? Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it to the London march; but I did what I could locally and joined the rally outside of Kingston University.
For those who think that it’s just another demo and that last time didn’t work, what would you say to make them believe that they can make a difference this time? Firstly I would like to point out that DEMO11 was not a waste of time, it did have an impact and caused much uneasiness in government. This year it’s all about unity across the country. Students’ Unions from across England are gathering together to mass march on London this year for DEMO12. Last year it was about fees, but this year there are far too many issues to identify and label just one. Every Students’ Union has its own individual issues as well as issues that are the same across the national platform. This year we are uniting to form a force the Government cannot ignore. The Government needs to realise that, every year, things are going to get worse for them if they do not start taking students seriously. Last year around 250,000 - 500,000 students gathered in unity to demonstrate. This year I predict this figure to be in excess of over one million. We are the next generation, so it’s about time; and it is in the government’s best interests to listen to what we want.
Speaking of the last demos, unfortunately things backfired and suddenly students and youths were responsible for trashing the place. Do you hope that this won’t happen again? Is there a way to prevent it? Most of those involved with violence and troublemaking last year weren’t even students, and those who were students were merely caught up in the moment. At all big-scale protests in this country (perhaps the world) you will always get people tagging on with the aim solely to cause disruption. I strongly believe that that this is not an accurate generalisation of students. I don’t think there is any way to prevent disorder at these types of events as tempers are high, but I do know that it is down to the Government and its failings, so who is really to blame? My opinion is that the only way to stop these protests is for the Government to finally realise they cannot attack our education system and our future job prospects without students exercising their democratic right to fight back.
BY LAURANNE HERES The national demo is called ‘demo2012: Educate, Employ, Empower’. It will take place on November 21, and will involve a march through central London. For more info, visit http://www.nus.org.uk/en/campaigns/funding-our-future/demo2012-educate-employ-empower1/
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ELE CTION RESULTS
HIGHEST BY-ELECTION VOTING TURNOUT FOR A DECADE This years by-election had the highest number of voters at the polls for over a decade. The terrific turn out was no surprise to Vice President Student Life, Lucy Williams, who believes it was testament to the way the KUSU team has been working this first term. She said: “It’s great to see such a buzz around these by-elections. Plus it’s a real boost after a
disappointing voting turnout last year. We’ve been working hard and it’s great to see students engaged. We’re now very ambitious about the upcoming Spring elections.” The places the election sought to fill were: Environmental and Ethical Officer, Mature Students Officer, Disabled Students Officer, Students in Professional Practice Officer and
International Students Officer. Whilst the turnout was unprecedentedly high, the KUSU team are hoping to get an even greater response for the Spring elections in March next year, where both full-time student officers and part-time officers will be elected. Congratulations to all the new officers!
Disabled Students Officer:
Michael Toy
Blaise Persaud
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Environmental and Ethical Officer:
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Herbert Mutanha
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Mature Students Officer:
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KUSU students have spoken and the results are in! After the highest turnout for a by-election in the last decade, KUSU can now announce the winners.
Students in Professional Practice Officer:
International Students Officer:
Helena Charles
Clement Tataru