Much credit goes to Bubble, the staff and the student officers from around the country who went to Chester last week to fight the yes to NUS campaign. Of course, this was Bubble's first referendum where he was leading the campaign, and given Stephen's tenure as National Secretary being involved in an affiliation referendum every two months, I hope Bubble doesn’t have too many campaigns to run!

It was, of course, disappointing the referendum was held at a time when the majority of students had finished the academic year, but there was such considerable support for NUS that I am confident that Chester students would re-affiliate whenever the referendum had been held. I always find it refreshing to go to campuses, and discuss what NUS are up to, but frustrated there are thousands of students out there who want to get more involved, want to be engaged, but don't feel enabled to change the environment around them. Its these students that we're letting down, focused too much on Conference floor on having the wrong sorts of discussions and arguments.

The result provides us with an excellent opportunity to support the union in the coming months and years, and with such an overwhelming mandate to stay part of NUS, we'll continue to make the lives of over seven million students, over 95 per cent of students' unions better.

And when I was there, great news for the Womens' and LGBT campaigns. Its these sorts of wins that we could not achieve if NUS did not exist. My MP in London and MP in Cardiff Central both voted against lowering the 24 week limit, so thank you to Jeremy Corbyn and Jenny Willott!

dave x

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