NUS disappointed by Imperial disaffiliation
Commenting on Imperial College Union's decision to disaffiliate, NUS President Wes Streeting said:

"Of course, we are very disappointed at Imperial College Union’s decision. Membership of NUS enables students to be part of the national debate on issues that affect you today and will have an impact on students for generations to come."

"With the new higher education funding policy passed at our Annual Conference in April, our members have taken the initiative and we are challenging all political parties and stakeholders in higher education to come up with radical ideas and solutions to the current funding crisis. Our democratic mandate means that NUS has become a realistic and respected voice at the national table, helping to shape a fairer and easier system of fees and support. That is something we want all students’ unions to be proud to be a part of."

"We understand the disappointment felt by many members of ICU at the narrow defeat of our proposals to reform NUS at this year’s Annual Conference. But the leadership of NUS remains committed to changing our national union so that it represents all students more effectively in the future. We that in time ICU will decide to rejoin NUS in order to be a part of that reinvigorated organisation.”

"Despite our disagreements, I would like to thank ICU president Stephen Brown for his hard work in campaigning for NUS reform. I know that his efforts will not have been vain as we seek to secure lasting change during the year ahead."

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of ICU for their unwavering support of our proposals for reform. With their help, and with the help of the majority of our members across the country, we have already restructured internally, bringing in new management and reducing our deficit by a million pounds in one year."

"It hasn’t been easy, but the organisation has come out leaner and, with a new three-year strategic plan, much more focused on the core issues of promoting, defending and extending students’ rights and developing and championing strong students’ unions."

"The next step is to pass the reforms needed to make these changes permanent. Yes, the Annual Conference this year narrowly missed the two-thirds majority needed. But, in spite of this setback, it is not time to throw in the towel and admit defeat. NUS is changing and it will soon reform its structure to make us more fit for purpose for the future challenges we collectively face. We hope that, in time, ICU will recognise this and decide to rejoin NUS."