Liverpool Student Manifesto - launch
The students’ unions of University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope University and Liverpool John Moores University have come together to launch a joint Liverpool Student Manifesto to campaign and lobby on in the run up to the General Election.
Liverpool Guild of Students, Liverpool Hope SU and LiverpoolSU asked their members which student-related issues matter most to them in readiness for a campaign trail throughout the elections which take place on May 7, 2015.
A ‘top ten’ manifesto has been created to represent the main ‘asks’ for students across the city as the next government is decided upon. These ‘asks’ include lowering the voting age to 16, protecting and improving Disabled Students’ Allowance, and phasing out tuition fees.
Sam Davys, President at Liverpool Students’ Union, said: “As there are over 60,000 students collectively in all three Universities, it made sense for us to come together and find out the common issues and themes that all students face. Through doing this we’ve come up with a manifesto that not only protects students whilst studying, but also ensures that they are protected as they graduate and move into the world of work.”
Harry Anderson, President at Liverpool Guild of Students, said: “The 2010 General Election saw less than half of all students vote, so not surprisingly, the price of tuition fees trebled and significant cuts to Education Maintenance Allowance and other vital services were made.”
“We’ve combined our efforts to consult with our students and give them a platform to air issues which are important to them. The huge response and appetite for change from our members is proof that student democracy isn’t dead and it’s time for government to take our needs more seriously.”
Hannah Baker, President of Hope Students’ Union, said: “Students from across Liverpool are coming together to say that we do have a voice and we can determine the outcome of this election. Students make up over 25% of Liverpool’s population and if every single one of them voted, we can have a real impact on how the city is run, making sure that students and young people have access to all the support they need.”
“This manifesto is part of a long-running campaign to increase political awareness amongst students across the city and Liverpool Hope Students’ Union is very proud to be a part of that.”
The Liverpool Student Manifesto was launched on Friday 27 February at Liverpool Guild of Students by the current Student Officer teams at all three students’ unions. To celebrate this, your President was heard across the BBC airwaves on the Roger Phillips show on BBC Radio Merseyside, highlighting the importance of the student vote across the city. If you'd like to listen to Sam on the air, click here.
Further action coming up includes a day of action focusing on the ten manifesto points and a hustings which is due to take place on Thursday 23rd April. These are aimed at encouraging students to not only register to vote but to also use their vote on May 7, 2015.
For further information regarding the General Election speak to one our MiniSU staff across campus or email GE15@ljmu.ac.uk.
**Pictured above - Hannah Baker (Hope SU President), Sam Davys (LiverpoolSU President) and Harry Anderson (Liverpool Guild of Students President)**
