Want to know more about the current SU Referendum? Here’s a short blog explaining everything!
On Wednesday 24th September 2025, the Students' Union Board of Trustees resolved to call a referendum. There are two questions:
Question 1:
Should Cambridge SU disaffiliate from the National Union of Students UK (NUS UK)?
NUS UK is the campaigning arm of the National Union of Students, a membership organisation that works to represent the views of students and Students’ Unions across the country.
Voting 'YES' means:
You think Cambridge SU should end its membership with NUS UK and no longer be affiliated after 31st December 2026.
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Cambridge students would not have access to influence the political decision making or campaigning direction of NUS
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Cambridge students would no longer have direct representation through the NUS at a national level
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Cambridge students would not be able to attend NUS decision making events and training
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Cambridge SU would not pay affiliation fees to NUS UK
Voting 'NO' means:
You think Cambridge SU should continue its membership and stay affiliated with NUS UK.
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Cambridge students continue having access to influence the political decision making or campaigning direction of NUS
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Cambridge students would remain represented through NUS at a national level
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Cambridge students would be able to attend NUS decision making events and training
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Cambridge SU would continue paying affiliation fees to NUS UK
Question 2:
Should Cambridge SU campaign to end university investments and collaborations with institutions involved in occupation and weapons manufacture as detailed in this policy motion?
Voting 'YES' means:
You think Cambridge SU should adopt the proposed policy with the following resolutions:
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To campaign to end the University’s, Colleges’, and their subsidiaries’ investments, research collaborations, and partnerships with organisation and institutions involved in genocide, occupation, surveillance and weapons manufacture.
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To publicly support the work of groups towards the demilitarisation of the University.
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To work with the university to develop a framework for supporting students affected by military violence, in consultation with affected students.
Voting 'NO' means:
You think Cambridge SU should not adopt the policy.
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The SU would not campaign to end the University’s, Colleges’, and their subsidiaries’ investments, research collaborations, and partnerships with organisation and institutions involved in genocide, occupation, surveillance and weapons manufacture.
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The SU would not publicly support the work of groups towards the demilitarisation of the University.
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The SU would not work with the university to develop a framework for supporting students affected by military violence, in consultation with affected students.
Main takeaway: We encourage you to look into both sides of each referendum before making your decision and voting. This includes talking to campaign teams and doing your own research.
Voting is now open and closes Thursday 30th October at 5pm.