York turns out for NUS Demo

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Photos: Tegan Pearce

YUSU President Kallum Taylor has praised York’s efforts in London as over 300 students took part in Wednesday’s National Student Demo.

Students piled into five double-decker buses for a 5am departure from James College, and joined the NUS on a march through the capital to “fight falling funding and spiralling fees”.

The march began at Temple Place and ended at Kennington Park, where the protesters came together for a final show of speeches from members of the NUS and to celebrate the end of what was a lively demonstration.

In total, it is estimated that 10,000 people turned out in support of the protest, which passed off peacefully.

Taylor told Vision: “I’m really impressed by York’s turnout at the National Demo. We had one of, if not then the highest, turnout in London.

“Taking five coaches and the samba band set a great national example, and again shows that YUSU are an active and engaged Students’ Union for the big things, as we are for the little things.

“Whether it was EMA being scrapped, increased fees, value for money, or youth unemployment which brought them down, fair play to our students for going to London and being part of it.

Taylor contined: “It’s a credit to them that they decided to speak up and join others across the country who are equally as alienated by the government’s short-sighted approach to policy as well as being concerned about the future of higher education and access to it.

“On the whole, it was a great thing to be part of. The NUS, YUSU and other student unions across the UK need to keep doing their bit on the national scene over the next two years.”

YUSU Campaigns Officer Megan Cross, who was at the forefront of the demonstration, said: “[The day] was a huge success and it was a really great to see such enthusiasm and unity from York’s student body.

“Despite the unfortunate weather, it was fantastic to see thousands of students peacefully hit the streets to kickstart a period of political scrutiny.”