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Norfolk and Norwich Student Manifesto
The Union of UEA Students and the Norwich University College of the Arts Students' Union has officially launched its Norfolk and Norwich Student General Election Manifesto.
The manifesto outlines the five main issues that affect students studying in Norwich but living across Norfolk.
Officers from the Union of UEA Students and NUCA’s Students’ Union have been meeting leading prospective parliamentary candidates across all Norfolk constituencies to discuss the points outlined in the manifesto.
Candidates will be invited to officially respond to the requirements of the manifesto. These responses will then be circulated to students across Norfolk in the run up to the General Election in the hope of informing the student vote.
Kirsten Peter, a third year Literature and Politics student studying at UEA and living in Norwich South said: “As I’m a third year a big question for me is ‘why aren’t graduates getting jobs?’ ‘Why is there nothing available for us now?’ If a candidate comes out and says something solid about education that would definitely have an impact on who I’d vote for.
Roughly 8247 UEA students live in Norwich South, a number that could severely impact on the outcome of the election.
Natasha Barnes, Communications Officer for the Union of UEA Students said: “There is a common misconception that students simply don’t vote and this year we hope to challenge that. There is a reason that the issue of higher education funding is at the top of the manifesto and that is because students are angry – the current system is broken and we want to know what candidates plan to do about it. Students know that it’ll be the next Government ultimately making the decision on higher education funding and they want to have a say in who will be representing them there.”
Norfolk and Norwich Student Manifesto
1. Fairly Funded Higher Education
We want a system of funding for Higher Education that is fair and sustainable.
We want local MPS who will lobby for improvements to the current system and who will vote against any increase in fees in the next parliament.
2. A Low-Carbon, Sustainable Future
We want a Government that is taking decisive action to prevent dangerous climate change.
We want local MPs who will ensure that Norfolk is equipped for the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future.
3. Sustainable Transport Solutions
We want efficient and inexpensive public transport, and quality provision for pedestrians and cyclists making it worthwhile for people to leave their cars at home.
We want local MPs who will be advocates for improvements to the transport network.
4. Quality Student Housing in Cohesive Communities
We want students to be able to live in decent and affordable rented accommodation whilst being regarded as valued members of the community.
We want MPs who will work with students and other residents to achieve united neighbourhoods.
5. Good Opportunities for Norwich Graduates
We want to be able to graduate feeling confident that there are sufficient local job and training prospects.
We want MPs who will lobby against unpaid internships which discriminate against students from lower-income backgrounds.