Students from across the country gathered in Wolverhampton Civic Hall at the National Union of Students Extraordinary Conference last week and passed a motion to approve a new constitution.

The Conference began with some opening remarks from Wes Streeting, NUS President, and outlined the context and the case for reform. The former President of the NUS in Australia was also present to give fraternal greetings, explaining the damage Australian Universities had faced under the Howard government.

Much of the conference was geared towards amendments to the motion (i.e. the new constitution) which would have been rendered null and void should the motion have fallen.

Regardless, BUSU’s seven delegates were present and were very successful; out of the 15 amendments, 5 were passed, all of which were supported by Bath. The rest, opposed by Bath, fell.

The only amendment for which BUSU was not part of the majority was when Bath delegates voted to repeal the NUS’ “No Platform Policy.” In a referendum held last year, a BUSU “No Platform Policy” resulted in a landslide ‘against’ the policy, with 619 voted versus 158 for, with 8 abstentions. BUSU delegates voted to repeal the NUS “No Platform Policy”, but were defeated.

The Extraordinary Conference was a preamble to ratifying the new constitution at the Annual Conference at Easter. Although, it is possible that Students’ Unions may call another Extraordinary Conference in the meantime.