My name is Benn Rapson. I'm a 3rd Year Politics Student. I am President of two student societies (Red Strathclyde and StrathWiki) as well as the Campaigns Officer of the LGBT+ Society.  I'm also an active political campaigner both on and off campus.

Having attended both NUS Scotland and NUS UK Conferences last year, I have come to the conclusion that the time is right for an Independent, Scottish, National Union of Students.

NUS UK is no longer fit for purpose. It does not represent "the nations" accurately nor fairly. It is time for a radical change.

An independent NUS Scotland, with the full autonomy that grants, could deliver more for students. It could develop the radical democratic structures it needs, independently, in order to be a real union for students.

Independence for NUS Scotland does not mean that we abandon our friends at NUS UK. We would still work alongside them to counteract the narrative surrounding education marketisation and a whole host of other issues.

The desire for independence merely reflects the fact that Scottish Higher Education and Further Education is vastly different to the rest of the UK and, in turn, our NUS must reflect that.

If elected your NUS Scotland delegate I will campaign for an Independent, Scottish, NUS and support any moves to achieve it at Scotland Conference.

In the Strath Union Autumn Elections (22nd-24th October), please give me your first preference vote for NUS Scotland Delegate.

- Benn Rapson