The Glasgow University Student Left (GUSL) Party has launched as an off-shoot of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s new group Your Party. However, GUSL has no official link to the party, suggesting that committing themselves to a “political project whose structure, direction, and values are not yet fully defined would be jumping the gun.”
In GUSL’s opening statement, they accused Glasgow University Labour Club (GULC) of “deserting student politics.” They went on to suggest that GULC has become “a hollow extension of Scottish Labour” who they claim supports “genocidal” tendencies of the current Westminster administration. GULC are yet to publicly respond.
At their first meeting, GUSL suggested they would refrain from partisan politics, and instead aim to focus on “issues that matter to students”, citing rent increases and the cost of living crisis.
The student society has pledged commitment to “transparency, accountability” and suggests the society will be “run by its members.” It is currently unclear what the leadership and executive of GUSL will look like, however the party aims to hold an election within the next few weeks.
GUSL’s main focal points are campaigning for socialist and working-class politics, “solidarity with all oppressed people”, citing migrants and asylum seekers, and “opposing genocide.” At their meeting, the pro-transgender stance of the society was clearly highlighted. Your Party’s Adnan Hussain was cited for his socially conservative views, which has recently caused controversy. A constitution and specific principles will be updated following the installment of a committee.
Glasgow University Justice for Palestine Society (GUJPS) have dominated the student politics scene over the past year. Their militant support for Palestine has gained them widespread support from the student body. However, they have come under fire for their anonymity and lack of accountability, and a demand to “ban all Zionists from campus.”
GULC have been contacted for comment.
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