Being young and conservative has never been popular. Even less so in a city like Glasgow. When I first arrived at the University in 2022, the Tories had been in government for 12 years in Westminster and to say the least were not universally adored – even within the party. For these reasons and others, I decided that student politics was not for me. I would go on studying and socialising while retaining my broadly conservative beliefs and remaining distant from the febrile atmosphere of student politics on campus, for a quiet life more than anything else.
Out of curiosity, one weekend in my second year, I had a quick look to see what the Tory Society was doing that week and decided I had nothing to lose by going down to the pub and seeing what they were about. To my surprise, I didn’t find a group of ideological toffs mindlessly towing a party line, but rather a wide range of fellow students all with unique inputs having stimulating conversations. Quickly I realised that this was a space where I could both challenge and develop my own views whilst remaining comfortable that those around me were receptive to my conservative outlook. And any preconceptions I had about inter-society hostility were quickly dismissed too, as we regularly discussed and debated with societies of other political persuasions.
To my surprise, I didn’t find a group of ideological toffs mindlessly towing a party line, but rather a wide range of fellow students all with unique inputs having stimulating conversations.
By the time I returned from my time studying abroad to begin my fourth and final year, I decided to put myself forward to lead the society. As the oldest university-based conservative association in the country, we have provided a space for conservative students to express their views and engage in student politics since 1836. Although we are associated with the Conservative and Unionist Party, we remain independent in our functions and do not require members to adhere to any party line. Instead, the society looks to provide a forum for conservative-minded students on campus to voice and refine their opinions and enjoy fun social events.
We host events with Conservative and Unionist MSPs, weekly socials, and special dinners such as our St Andrew’s dinner and Burn’s Night. Whatever being a conservative means to you, all views and perspectives are welcome. I personally align with the One Nation tradition of Disraeli and Salisbury, others in the society follow a more libertarian approach, and our international members bring their own unique experiences and outlooks to our discussions.
I understand that some may be put off the Conservative Society due to concerns about hostility from other students. While it is true that a small section of close-minded, often intolerant individuals are less than accepting of conservative views on campus, in my experience the vast majority of students – even those who vehemently disagree with us – are open to considering and respecting our views. I personally have friends in the Labour, SNP, and Liberal Associations. Among most of the student body, debate and disagreement does not necessitate childish animosity.
Exposure to conservative views on campus is vital to prevent students falling into echo-chambers and political intolerance.
In an era where political division and tribalism are increasingly prevalent, exposure to conservative views on campus is vital to prevent students falling into echo-chambers and political intolerance. The Tory Society allows students to enjoy meaningful and productive engagement on key issues with a diverse range of other political perspectives, and have a good laugh along the way. For those thinking about joining but are unsure about where to start, come along to one of our social events and see if it interests you. I never expected to end up as President of the society myself when I first arrived, but you never know how events will pan out.
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