It is true the requisite threshold of 15 has been surpassed (a necessary requirement for a society to exist). But with such small numbers, it shows one very clear problem for university students: conspicuous disenchantment with politics. I can sense a general, deepening frustration with the Tories and Labour. Tories balled up, crashed the economy, weren’t remotely conservative and failed on so many metrics; and the Labour party, since the 2024 general election, have proven to be unpopular with their high tax agenda.
Students are fed up with astronomical rents, escalating utilities and high tuition fees. Many are looking to alternative parties, hell-bent on changing the status quo, such as Reform UK and the Green Party. Despite the first-past-the-post electoral system, increased fragmentation in British politics indicates that the two-party system is looking more fragile by the day. Interestingly, there is not a Green or Reform UK society.
However, there are societies that are political in orientation. The Feminist society, Amnesty International and Palestine society are examples of societies that raise awareness of pressing and topical concerns. I believe their memberships are strong.
Political allegiances aside, it would have been a disaster if the Conservative and Labour societies folded. Their respective points and policies help foster nuance in debate and allow for opinions to be challenged. It was not far off ceasing to exist at Newcastle University. We should support both of them – or support any new start-ups next academic year.