The first thing I want to say about National Conference is that I am proud that I voted in favour of targeted grants, and that conference chose to vote in favour of targeted grants. I believe that Targeted grants are a realistic demand. In an ideal world we could fight for universal living grants for all, but we have to accept that that is not realistic at the moment. So instead of saying ‘grants for all or no grants at all’, I believe that we are correct to say yes to targeted grants, meaning that the available money is given to those who need it most. I believe that alongside the campaign for targeted grants we must also campaign for a fast and effective appeals process to assist those who are not initially identified for a grant.

In the strong and active unions debate, other than Extra, I am pleased that we passed policy to support Glasgow’s bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. And on the same subject, I am proud that we passed policy calling on the Government to ensure that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are accessible to everyone. I believe that by working towards an accessible Olympic Games, we can also ensure that accessibility and freedom from discrimination can be addressed in sport in general.

I am disappointed that I will not be able to vote at the next National Council, as I feel that it is by allowing people to see how I vote on policy that I can be held to account - in a much more effective way than this blog! However, I also accept that National Council in its current format does not work, its nothing to do with the seating arrangements. I know that Gemma is committed to reforming NUS for the better, and I hope that National Council is one area that will be given priority next year.

Many people seem to think that because I speak on motions about sport or student activities, and don’t rant on motions about education, that I am not political. I am proud to be a Labour Student and an active member of the Labour Party. National Conference this year has reinforced my pride in Labour Students. When we stand in elections we have the best candidates, and I know that Wes, Steven and Richard will be strong, campaigning members of the NEC next year, alongside Kat Stark and Jimmy Alexander. I will be sad to leave NUS in the summer, and hence also Labour Students, however, I look forward to being more involved in my constituency Labour Party, especially as I am in the extraordinary position of living with a Lib Dem MP, a Labour MSP and a Tory Councillor!

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