Birmingham Socialist Students. Photo: Tom Porter Brown
Birmingham Socialist Students. Photo: Tom Porter Brown

Hannah Ponting, Liverpool Socialist Students

Even before Starmer’s recent tuition fees hike, many young people had come to the conclusion that the Labour government is not interested in a decent future and opportunities for young people.

Decisions such as scrapping the winter fuel allowance and refusing to end the two-child benefit cap prove that this Labour government will make working-class people bear the brunt of its political choice to act in the interests of the capitalist bosses.

25% of young people have skipped a meal in order to save money, according to one survey. As well as the tuition fee hike, students are also facing increases in rent from private landlords, as well as student accommodation prices going up.

The Labour government offers no solutions. We need a new mass workers’ party that acts in our interests, against those of the super-rich bosses – one which demands free, fully funded education, council homes and rent controls.

Environmental issues are another topic at the forefront of young people’s minds. But this government has scaled back its green investment plans saying they are unaffordable, meanwhile the big fossil fuel companies rake in billions in profits. The failure of capitalist government leaders like Keir Starmer take meaningful action on climate change highlights the need for socialist change.

Whatever makes you angry about the rigged capitalist system, and if you want to learn more and discuss further, then you should come to the Socialist Students conference. It will be a fantastic opportunity to hear a range of brilliant speakers talk about a variety of issues affecting young people, to discuss ideas and to plan how we are building the fight back.

I hope to see many of you there!

Socialist Students conference 2025 – Saturday 8 February. Highfields Centre, Leicester, LE2 0DS, 15 minute walk from Leicester station


Gaza slaughter

Joe Woolfall, Liverpool Socialist Students

Socialist Students has been involved in the movement against the slaughter in Gaza. In Liverpool, we attended the student encampment and demonstrations, calling for divestment from companies which uphold Israeli state terror.

Even if the ceasefire deal holds, and the immediate killing stops, the pressure must continue.

We must keep on questioning why the Labour government continued to supply weapons used for murder in Palestine. We must demand an immediate stop to the violence, and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli military from occupied Palestinian territories.

Students rage at their universities investing in companies involved in the Israeli state’s war. Universities should open their books, so students can know exactly what the money we spend on fees is being used for.

Socialist Students is fighting against tuition fee rises, and for free education. Education should be available to all.

A mass movement of workers and poor in Palestine and Israel, fighting for socialism, can build on a ceasefire, challenge capitalist division, and end the cycle of conflict and suffering.

The Socialist Students conference on 8 February will discuss a range of topics, including Gaza, and the next steps for the student movement. If you want to be part of the fightback, come along and get involved in Socialist Students.