Heriot-Watt principal signs ESF manifesto

Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has added his signature to the Edinburgh Student manifesto.

The manifesto campaigns on a number of important student issues including widening student participation in elections, seeking to stop HMO quotas being introduced and improving student safety in the city.

In a statement on the Heriot-Watt website Mike Ross, President of Heriot Watt University Students Association (HWUSA) has been campaigning to ensure that all political parties speak to students and that all students participate in the local elections on 3 May.

In a statement to The Journal Mr Ross said: "The university's support for the Edinburgh Student Manifesto recognises [the role] that local government can play in helping to improve the experience of students within Edinburgh. Being a campus-based university gives an excellent opportunity for our students to engage with the local community and really do something excellent."

The ESF held a hustings for the local elections at Teviot in which a number of student association leaders were present. It involved candidates from all major parties and was part of the NUS initiative of the ‘Voice Your Vote’ campaign for students to become more involved in politics.

In a statement on the ESF website Robin Parker, President of NUS Scotland congratulated the ESF on bringing student issues to light saying: “It’s excellent to see students at colleges and universities in Edinburgh working together to ensure local authority candidates address issues that affect students’ lives.”

The ESF represents a number of students associations across Edinburgh in order to create student solidarity across the capital. The forum debates a number of wide ranging issues which affect students including public transport and accommodation.