Ultra Vires Briefing
Political participation- both in formal politics and sing le issue campaig ning - is widely believed to be on the decrease in Britain. NUS and Students’ Unions have a vital role to play in reversing this trend- encourag ing students to take action on their campus, in their community and in their country. The role that the student movement plays in politicising its members and encouraging them to debate and campaign for change has never been more necessary or needed.
H ow ever, over the last 20 or so years, there has been much talk in the student movement about a concept called “Ultra Vires”. In many cases it has been argued that this “thing” prevents unions from carrying out campaigning work or even funding political societies.
The purpose of this briefing is to explain the concept and bust some of the myths surrounding “Ultra Vires” and the essential political work that a students’ union carries out.
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