Dear Beth,
I write to you on the day that the Electoral Reform Society Cymru stated that all of Wales’ six parties should be invited to debates.
The National Union of Students Wales has a rich history of encouraging youth engagement with politics and democracy. The work you undertake with your members is life changing for many: broadening horizons and opportunities, and promoting a progressive, more tolerant society. It is quite right you should be proud of this.
But a functioning democracy needs voters to be well informed, allowing them to make considered decisions in the polling booth. Your organisation has a key role to play in this, enabling students to explore, reflect and debate the merits, or otherwise, of the various political parties and their candidates.
To do this they need exposure to all parties. To do this you must invite all parties to your hustings events. In light of this principle, it is hugely disappointing to hear that you have decided not to include the Wales Green Party in the upcoming hustings at the NUS Wales national conference.
I know the motivations are not to stifle debate and censor information that students have access to. Yet these are consequences of the decision. And we are sure students will be interested in what the Wales Green Party has to say on education – no fees, higher maintenance grants, more apprenticeships and protection of the Education Maintenance Allowance.
The Electoral Reform Society Cymru is calling for all six parties in Wales to have representation in hustings and we also have the support of the wider public. Over 280,000 people signed a petition last year to include the Green Party in General Election debates, and a Welsh specific petition is also gathering momentum.
As a party we want to work with you to encourage greater youth engagement with politics and democracy. I urge NUS Wales to do the right thing and reconsider its decision and include the Wales Green Party in its hustings.
Best wishes,
Sam Murray
Wales Young Greens Cardiff University Student
#GenerationVote