In a day of advocacy and progress, our officers met with MP Rebecca Long-Bailey to discuss "No More Guarantor"
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to London to lobby alongside the National Union of Students (NUS) and meet with MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, where we addressed critical issues affecting students across the UK.
As the Students' Officer at the University of Salford, representing over 27,000 students, this was a significant moment in my journey of advocating for students' rights and well-being.
My Role and Experience...
To give a brief introduction, I am Adnan Sabir, the Students' Officer at the University of Salford. In my second year as a Sabbatical Officer, I have been working closely with student leaders and decision-makers to ensure that students' voices are heard at every level.
I’m also a member of the Greater Manchester Student Partnership (GMSP) and sit on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), helping shape student-focused policies across the region. Additionally, as a member of the University of Salford's council board, I advocate for students at the highest level, ensuring their needs are a priority.
As an international student from India, my diverse perspective has helped me understand the wide array of challenges that students, especially international ones, face.
One of the most pressing issues we are currently tackling is the difficulty many students experience in securing housing due to the requirement for guarantors.
A Breakthrough with MP Rebecca Long-Bailey...
A major win during my London visit was my discussion with MP Rebecca Long-Bailey regarding the ongoing housing crisis that affects students.
During our meeting, I lobbied for her support for an amendment proposed by MP Alex Sobel on guarantors, an issue that NUS and I are passionate about.
The proposal seeks to remove the need for guarantors in student housing, a measure that would have a huge positive impact for many.
According to recent data, 1 in 4 students have reported facing challenges in securing accommodation because they cannot provide a guarantor, leading to increased housing insecurity. By supporting this amendment, MP Long-Bailey has committed to backing an initiative that could ease the burden on countless students.
This is a major victory for us, and her willingness to remain in contact and support future initiatives offers hope for continued progress.
Why We Believe in “No More Guarantors”...
At NUS, we strongly believe that the removal of the guarantor requirement will help level the playing field for students. Too often, students, especially those from low-income families or international backgrounds, face discrimination and barriers when trying to rent properties. This not only adds stress to their academic lives but can also lead to unsafe or unreliable housing arrangements.
Removing this requirement would ensure fairer access to housing and allow students to focus on their studies, not housing struggles.
Moving Forward...
After an incredibly productive day with NUS and representing the voice of University of Salford's students, I am optimistic about the future.
MP Rebecca Long-Bailey’s support for the "No More Guarantors" campaign is a huge step forward, and I look forward to continuing to work with her on this and other key issues affecting students.
Together with NUS, the University of Salford, and national decision-makers, we will keep pushing for policies that make student life better and fairer. This experience has further strengthened my resolve to advocate for students, and I am excited about what lies ahead.
Special Thanks...
I would like to thank my incredible team—Ed, Lauren, and Zaki—for their unwavering support and for trusting me with this opportunity. Without your help, this wouldn't have been possible!
Our fight for student rights continues!