Following Cameron's recent journey down to London as part of NUS's Lobby MP's Day in Westminster, here's everything you need to know!
In October, your Student Union President Cameron went on down to London accompanied by over 50 other student officers from across the UK to take part in NUS’s Lobby MPs Day in Westminster, aiming to make waves on housing issues that are critically affecting students nationwide.
Cameron had many meetings lined up with key figures down in London and here is how these conversations went and the issues which Cameron raised.
Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West
Cameron’s first meeting was with Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West. Scott led Cameron on a tour of Parliament before discussing the purpose behind the NUS’s lobby. Cameron was accompanied by Stirling Student Union’s VP Community, who both explained how current housing laws are stacked against students, making them vulnerable to exploitative practices, especially when a guarantor is needed to access rental properties. Scott was shocked by the realities students face, such as being forced into expensive Private Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) with fewer rights and higher rents. From this conversation, Scott promised to advocate for students on this issue, including supporting an amendment to the Renters' Rights Bill that would remove the guarantor requirement.
Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South
Cameron’s next meeting of the day was with Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South and the government’s Secretary for Scotland, was a critical one. Following Deputy Prime Minister’s Questions, Ian sat down with Cameron and NUS Scotland President ‘Sai’, to discuss the importance of scrapping guarantors for student housing to be more affordable in the future. Although Ian expressed concerns about housing supply, Cameron committed to following up with data on why this policy would work without disrupting availability. Ian’s influence as a cabinet member made this a crucial meeting; his support could make a real difference.
Christine Jardine, MP for Edinburgh West.
The final pre-arranged meeting was with Christine Jardine, MP for Edinburgh West. Christine was supportive and pledged to secure a copy of the proposed amendment to fully understand its impact.
Following these meetings, which appeared to have grabbed the attention of each of the MP’s, Cameron spent the rest of the day “green slipping” in Westminster. This lobbying method is where you request impromptu meetings with MP’s. This allowed Cameron and others to connect with various other MP’s and Lords throughout the day whilst on the move, ensuring that they knew students were showing up in numbers to demand change. Additionally, Cameron used this time to discuss strategies with other student officers, sharing best practices on effective campaigning.
Overall, Cameron thoroughly enjoyed his time down in London expressing that: “the Lobby Day was a powerful demonstration of what student solidarity can achieve”.
Cameron’s discussions with MPs showed the strength of the student voice on housing reform, as the campaign for change continues. The Union are ready to keep pushing for fairer housing policies that address the real challenges faced by students today.