One Leave campaigner said they believe the organisation does not deliver enough results to justify its cost: "I feel like as an organisation, they don't do enough to benefit students on the day to day. It is too expensive for what we get in return."
I feel like during last year’s debates, there was a clear lack of representation for the Leave campaign, meaning the result was an uninformed one.
The student explained that their decision to campaign was shaped by last year’s referendum: “I feel like during last year’s debates, there was a clear lack of representation for the Leave campaign, meaning the result was an uninformed one. I decided to sign up to ensure students are presented with a balanced understanding of both sides of the argument so that the result reflects the true feeling of the student body,” they said.
They added that they wanted the opportunity to articulate what they see as a deeper structural issue.
“I also wanted to have the space to voice my perspective. I don't believe they are or will become an effective organisation for our Students’ Union."
Central to their argument is the idea that disaffiliation would serve as a statement.
“I think we should disaffiliate to send a message to NUS that they need to do better for students and that we will not accept representation from an organisation that fundamentally does not represent us,” they said, sentiments shared by the motions proposer back in November.
The campaigner also criticised what they described as a lack of visibility and transparency. "They're not very transparent or proactive. It can be very difficult for students to become aware about who they are or what they do for us when there is a disconnect between the two."
While acknowledging that NUS provides some advisory support, they argued that this alone is insufficient to justify the £30,000 annual affiliation fee.
The Students’ Union could significantly benefit from an extra £30,000.
“They do do some good advisory work, however I do not believe this is enough to justify our affiliation. The Students’ Union could significantly benefit from an extra £30,000. I would like to see that reinvested into the Union and its clubs and societies instead.”
The student also suggested that a perceived lack of impact may explain why many students feel disengaged from the organisation.
“I think students aren’t aware of NUS or what they do because fundamentally they are not that impactful on the student experience,” they said.
As voting approaches, the campaigner encouraged students to reflect carefully on their priorities, while making clear their own position.
“Students should vote for whatever they think best represents their needs and concerns. That being said, I implore them to vote Leave.”
With both campaigns now actively making their case, the question of whether to remain affiliated with NUS will ultimately be decided by students at the ballot box in March.