A letter from students to First Minister Humza Yousaf

We're asking students from across Scotland to join us in asking Scotland's new First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to recommit and deliver on the Scottish Government's pledges to students. Add your voice to the letter!

Dear First Minister,

Congratulations on your election as leader of the SNP and First Minister.

You may remember that NUS Scotland wrote to you during the campaign asking for you to commit to fulfilling the promises made to students in the 2021 election and, subsequently by the SNP Government.

Unfortunately, none of the candidates replied to this letter.

Now that you are First Minister, we know that you’ll have lots of issues in your in-tray. But we’re sure tackling the cost-of-living will be near the top of the pile.

NUS Scotland recently launched new research on the cost-of-living. It found that due to a lack of money, 52% of students had skipped a meal, 45% had gone without heating and 35% had been unable to pay their rent in full. It’s little wonder that the number of students considering dropping out for financial reasons is going up.

We’re delighted that support for higher education students will increase by £900 next year but further education students are yet to receive a similar increase, and estranged students are still waiting for the bursary promised in 2021.

Our ask is simple, will you recommit to the promises made by the SNP to students in 2021?

In particular, increasing student support for all students to the real Living Wage; an estranged students bursary; and a Special Support Payment so students on benefits don’t lose out.

Students are living in poverty right now – they need to know their government has got their back.

We look forward to your reply.

 

Yours sincerely,

Ellie Gomersall, NUS Scotland President

Andrene Bamford, EIS President

Lena Wanggren, UCU Scotland President

Scott Anderson, President, Heriot Watt University Students’ Association

Nicole Matthews, Regional President, North East Scotland College Students’ Association

Lauryn Baldie, Vice President, Abertay University Students’ Association

Skye Marriner, Vice President Welfare, Edinburgh College Students’ Association

Luna Morrison, Vice President Activities, Edinburgh College Students’ Association

Justyna Kardasz, Vice President Community, Strathclyde University Students’ Association

Lewis McDermot, Vice President Welfare, Strathclyde University Students’ Association

Isi Williams, Vice President Community, Edinburgh University Students’ Association

Zara Grew, Vice President Social and Activities, City of Glasgow College Students' Association

 

 

Will you sign?

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