Contents
In 2024, at an organizational conference in Blackpool, several NUS members voted to suspend recognition of its main Jewish-interest body, the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), due of its support for the State of Israel. The vote was held after a speech in which activists advocated for policy to “dismantle” the Israeli state, calling it a “racist project of colonialism.” 3
Background
The National Union of Students (NUS) is a university-student activist group based in the United Kingdom that advocates for increased economic welfare for students as well as left-of-center LGBT and pro-Palestinian policies. 1 2
NUS was founded in 1922 at the University of London Club. Its early activities included anti-fascist advocacy and the criticism of the military draft. Later, it supported labor unionism and anti-apartheid advocacy. 4
Activities
In 2022, the National Union of Students (NUS) commissioned barrister Rebecca Tuck to investigate the organization following allegations of antisemitism. NUS claimed it was “confident” that the search was “thorough, fair and conducted with the strictest parameters.” Tuck’s report concluded there was evidence of antisemitism within the “student movement” and listed recommendations for NUS to combat it. 5
In 2024, during an organizational conference held in Blackpool, several NUS members voted to suspend recognition of its main Jewish-interest body, the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), due to its support for the State of Israel. The vote followed a speech where NUS activists advocated for policy to “dismantle” the Israeli state, calling it a “racist project of colonialism.” 3
The NUS runs a division called NUS Liberation, which is led by “disabled, LGBT+, Racialised, Trans, and Women students and apprentices.” In 2025, NUS Liberation released new policies related to “governmental transphobia,” calling for a ban on so-called “conversion therapy,” “trans student athlete equity,” and a “de-colonisation campaign.” 2 6
In 2025, NUS circulated a petition to increase stipend funding for university students, claiming that a third of students in the UK live on less than £50 ($66.87) a month, as well as improved student housing. 1 7
In 2025, NUS advocated that students from the Palestinian territories to be permitted to enter the UK “regardless of whether their positions are fully funded” while suspending all language tests and travel visa requirements for entry. 8
Partners
As of 2025, listed partners with the National Union of Students (NUS) include National Union of Students Charity, OneVoice, Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS) United Kingdom, and student discount card company Totum. 2
Leadership
National Union of Students (NUS) is governed by a board of elected officers, student and member representatives, and external members. As of 2025, Amira Campbell was the national president and chair of the organization, Qasim Hussain was the vice president of further education, Alex Stanley was the vice president of higher education, and Saranya Thambirajah was the vice president of the liberation and equality division. 9