Fierce debate over SU policy in Second Warwick Question Time

The second Warwick Question Time debate of the year took place this week, with
Warwick Conservatives particularly vocal in their criticism of Student Union (SU) policy.

The focus of the debate was on two key SU motions passed in recent weeks: the decisions
to ban Bacardi as an SU supported brand and to pay SU employees a ‘living wage’ (£7.20 per hour outside of London).

The response to the latter motion received particular attention, with many
vociferous opinions aired. Sean Ruston, SU Education Officer, defended the decision,
calling current pay “embarrassing”, whilst Tom Hatton, President of Warwick
Conservatives, declared, “It’s an unnecessary expense… We’ve got the minimum
wage – what more do they want?”

The panel – which included Mr Ruston, as well as Mr Hatton from the Conservatives,
James Entwistle from Labour, Greg Judge from the Liberal Democrats and the Boar’s
own Tom Newham – were in a boisterous mood during the debate which also
discussed tuition fees, media conduct and the Union Council as a representative
body.

The doubts presented about Union Council legitimacy, again by Mr Hatton, were
slammed by the rest of the panel. In a scathing attack relating to the passing of
the Bacardi ban, he said, “How can a body which has uncontested seats have the
authority to pass such a motion?”

Responding to this from his position as Union Council Chairman, Entwistle replied that
it was an “impressive candidate list” for this year’s council elections and that “every seat
was competitive”.

In addition, there was considerable friction over the sensitive issue of university
tuition fees. Ruston stressed the point that the student fee increases “have actually
increased the deficit” and “the reasons used are unjustifiable”. This view was
reinforced by Tom Newham, who quoted Conservative MP David Davis on the
fees “putting hurdles in the way of young people”.

Hatton disagreed whole-heartedly. “There’s a whole part of the
university sector that we should get rid of,” he said.

The Question Time debate saw Mr Newham make a debut outing in the fierce
atmosphere of university party politics. He didn’t seem phased, however,
contributing some interesting opinions of his own. Discussing the British
government’s austerity measures he said, “I think it’s a little bit immature to oppose
every cut… When the state runs out of money, who pays for that?”

Yet the debate was always going to be about significant political point scoring.
Continuing with the cuts agenda, Mr Judge tried to defend the Liberal Democrats
as the restraining influence in the coalition. “Before the election the Tories were
planning for a £90 billion deficit reduction over 4 years”, he said. “It’s now down
to £81 billion. It’s better than nothing.” The comment was received with derisory
laughter on the panel and in the audience.

Entwistle responded with a withering attack on the Tory cuts strategy. “You’re doing
it in 4 to get reelected in 2014”, he said to Tom Hatton. Hatton refused to ingratiate
himself with the more left wing members of the audience, telling them to “stop
whining”.

In general, the event was well received. Around 50 people attended
the debate, held in MS.02 Mathematics lecture theatre. Panelists were happy with
the “robust” and “high standard” debate, and it is expected there will be repeat
showings throughout this year.

Away from the event, both Warwick Conservatives and Warwick Labour will be
aiming to table motions at the Union Council General Meeting on 29th November.