USI President Peter Mannion’s address at the national conference of the National Union of Student in the UK received a significant ovation from delegates at the event.

During his speech, Mr. Mannion, spoke about its major achievements during its 50 year history. These included successful campaigning to secure the right of the organisation to distribute information to students on abortion and contraception, successful campaigning to stop third level fees and successful campaigning to cap the registration fee.

Mr. Mannion also stressed the importance of the hard work involved in establishing NUS-USI and how the setting up of this bilateral agreement between the two national student unions ultimately led the way for peace talks in Northern Ireland.   

Approximately 1,500 students from across the UK descended on The Sage Gateshead for NUS National Conference last week (April ).

Students, exhibitors and members of the media, all attended the event, at which the incoming NUS president, Aaron Porter, was elected. Attendees at the conference also debated cuts to further and higher education, and rallied students to vote in the general election as part of the Vote for Students campaign.

NUS conference received sponsorship from the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Newcastle University, Teesside University, the University of Sunderland, Northumbria University, Unite the Union and Endsleigh Insurance – making this the best sponsorship year on record for NUS conference.

The economic impact of NUS annual conference to the regional economy is estimated at £1.3 million.

Peter's speech is available below on youtube.

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