University Of London Union

EDM number 614 in 2013-14, proposed by John McDonnell on 23/10/2013.
Categorised under the topics of Higher education and Students.

That this House notes the University of London's intention to derecognise the University of London Union from August 2014, abolishing its democratic function and replacing it with a management-run services centre; further notes that neither the University's review group nor any of its governing bodies contain a single student; believes that the University of London Union has recently played an iconic role in the student movement and that the presence of a cross-London representative body is essential given the specific and acute problems that students in London face; further believes that the plans to abolish the University of London Union would damage the experience of student life for many students, would set a dangerous precedent and are contrary to the principles of democratic community which bind higher education; supports students in defending the University of London Union as a student-run entity for all students in London; reminds the University of London that the right to independent representation and freedom to organise democratically at every level of an institution are basic rights and are enshrined in the spirit of the Education Act 1994, and that it has no right to shut down its student union; and urges the University of London to reconsider its plans.

This motion has been signed by a total of 21 MPs.