Union of Jewish Students hopes government action on NUS ‘leads to positive change’

The organisation representing Jewish students on campus has welcomed the government’s decision to suspend engagement with the National Union of Students over antisemitism allegations.

Higher and further education minister Michelle Donelan has announced a package of measures meaning the union will receive no Government funding and will be removed from all Department for Education student groups and replaced by alternative student representation.

Donelan said: “I am horrified by the thought of Jewish students feeling ostracised by an organisation which should be a voice for their community and an advocate of equality for all students. Although this was a decision that the department did not take lightly, we have been clear that antisemitism must be stamped out of the sector and are treating these allegations with the utmost seriousness.”

In response the Union of Jewish Students told Jewish News on Monday: “We will continue to be part of an ongoing consultation with NUS to help facilitate an effective, independent investigation into antisemitism and we appreciate their ongoing engagement, and hope that it leads to positive change for Jewish students.

“NUS must ensure that anti-Jewish racism is wiped out of the student movement so that Jewish students can feel safe in higher education. We hope that the government’s intervention will serve to further highlight the importance of these issues and we look forward to the implementation of real change within the organisation.”

The NUS says it has launched an independent investigation and is working in collaboration with the UJS “every step of the way”.