With many EU students unable to vote in the UK general election, we ask some how they’re getting involved in Britain’s political landscape
In recent months, we’ve seen a rise in activism among young people, whether it’s the global climate strikes that saw more than 4,600 events take place in 150 countries – the largest climate protest in history – or the People’s Vote march, where a staggering one million protestors took to the streets of London to protest Boris Johnson’s leadership.
Whether it’s the climate crisis or Brexit, young people are mobilising more than ever. According to government stats, 1.5 million people under the age of 34 signed up within the first month of voter registration (a 31 per cent rise compared to 2017), making up the majority (64 per cent) of applications in the general election. The surge in young voters has partially been attributed to social media posts by Stormzy urging fans to support Labour.
But there’s also a large group of young people in the UK who feel a different sense of uncertainty about tomorrow’s election. According to Study UK, 139,150 EU students enrolled at UK universities between 2017, and 2018. With the prospect of Brexit looming over us, however, the rules that once applied to EU students might no longer be applicable.
With the fear of increased fees, student loan eligibility looming, and visa applications looming, we’ve asked five EU students how they feel about tomorrow’s election.
MARIA GODLEWSKA, POLISH, STUDENT AT UCL
Can you vote in the upcoming elections?
Maria Godlewska: Unfortunately, no. If I could I would probably vote for Liberal Democrats, as they are the only party openly promising to reverse Brexit, which not only concerns me as an EU citizen in the UK, but also as a European worried about the threat to the integrity of the EU, and its future.
How politically involved are you?
Maria Godlewska: I’m not directly involved but I do engage. I think it’s impossible not to be interested in politics as some people say. It just directly influences our lives whether we can or cannot vote. Whenever we can, I think it’s the most important civil duty, which I always fulfil I, and encourage others to do the same. I once tried to convince a taxi driver who said he doesn’t believe in voting why he actually should, and I think every effort of this kind matters. Whenever we cannot vote we can still help informing others about politics or participate in protests, and that’s what I also do.
I was the president of UCL Polish Society last year, and I feel our society does a lot to keep the student community informed about global issues, with a focus on Poland. We organise a conference called UCL LEADERS where we invite speakers including politicians, and experts to talk on politics, economics, culture, as well as, science and technology. This year, we also organised voting events for the elections to the EU parliament, and the Polish parliamentary elections, which I think were quite successful in turnout, and familiarised many students on things like how to register etc.
What worries you most in British politics?
Maria Godlewska: The Brexit ‘stalemate’ and lack of legitimate political leaders. I think globally climate change is an important issue all governments should address. It is promising that voters care about it, and parties do try to address climate in their manifestos, however, many pledges lack detail on how they will be delivered, and I think more comprehensive policies should be developed.
How do you feel as European citizen studying in the UK in this turbulent time?
Maria Godlewska: I thought it would impact me more, as Brexit was supposed to happen a lot faster. However, after a while I have to admit I distanced myself from the Brexit news as they didn't bring any ‘change’ yet. Finally, the truth is I cannot impact the Brexit decision through voting etc. so I just applied for the EU settlement scheme, and I’m waiting for further developments. Still, I would be happy to see the upcoming elections bringing some fresh positive change.
What are your future plans, and have they changed because of the political climate in the UK?
Maria Godlewska: I’m currently in my final undergraduate year and want to enroll in a master’s degree. At the beginning when Brexit was supposed to happen on its original date I started to wonder what I should do if fees change and potential visa requirements are introduced. But I stopped worrying at some point, and I’m waiting for future developments. Anyway, my current plan is to pursue my masters elsewhere in Europe.
FRANCESCO GALVANETTO, ITALIAN, STUDENT AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY
Can you vote in the upcoming elections?
Francesco Galvanetto: I am not eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. If I could vote, I would probably vote green. The tories are certainly working against our interests and I had a very unpleasant encounter with Rees-Mogg at Uni; the Lib Dems hold democracy in contempt and Labour’s position has been so weak over the last few years, I couldn’t bring myself to vote for them.
How politically involved are you?
Francesco Galvanetto: I am quite politically involved; I try to attend as many political events on campus as possible.
Is your society getting involved politically?
Francesco Galvanetto: Italian Society at Oxford University is not political, but we do try to platform speakers who have been involved in politics. We hosted a minister for an event two terms ago.
What worries you most in British politics?
Francesco Galvanetto: I’m quite worried by the lack of a moderate alternative to the two main parties. With the tories veering right and labour veering left, it seems like there is nowhere to go for left-leaning moderates. I feel like lots of us would like the Brexit saga to end. It doesn’t matter anymore; we’re so exasperated, we’d rather have bad news than more uncertainty.
How do you feel as European citizen studying in the UK in this turbulent time in British politics?
Francesco Galvanetto: I feel somewhat unwelcome; I challenged JRM when he came to speak at University and he was not at all sympathetic. The uni has done what it could, organising events specifically for the European community. However, most of these have been overshadowed by the total lack of certainty over all issues.
What are your future plans, and have they changed because of the political climate in the UK?
Francesco Galvanetto: I’m off. I would have never ever imagined leaving straight after my degree, yet, I’m off to Paris next year. I really saw a future for myself in Britain but it’s more likely to be adios, au revoir, and ciao ciao!
JAIME GARCIA, SPANISH, STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Can you vote in the upcoming elections?
Jaime Garcia: Unfortunately, I can't vote in the upcoming elections as I am not a Commonwealth citizen, and, as our society is strictly apolitical, I cannot make any public statements when representing the Spanish Society on who I would vote for.
How politically involved are you?
Jaime Garcia: I am quite politically involved. I discuss politics on a daily basis and use social media very often to both read other people's opinions, discuss current affairs, and voice my opinion.
Is your society getting involved politically?
Jaime Garcia: As I said, our society is strictly apolitical and does not support any political stances. However, we are very interested in politics and work to give our members a better understanding of Spanish and British politics by organising political debates, helping them vote from abroad and facilitating information on political conflicts.
What worries you most in British politics?
Jaime Garcia: Right now, what most worries me in British politics is the uncertainty of what is going to happen with Brexit, as well as the possibility of the NHS becoming fully privatised. As such, I believe these issues should be addressed, and consensual solutions should be taken.
How do you feel as European citizen studying in the UK in this turbulent time in British politics?
Jaime Garcia: As a European citizen, I am quite concerned with Brexit as it feels like no one has no idea what is going to happen. Nothing has been made clear, in terms of student funding or the validity of university degrees in the European Union after Brexit, which is preventing me and many other students who have been asking our society's committee for advice from planning our future in advance as we have been given no advice or guidelines for the time after Brexit. Luckily, the University of Edinburgh is helping us quite a bit and sending us any updates on their plans and stances, and any paperwork we should be doing, like applying for Settlement Status.
What are your future plans, and have they changed because of the political climate in the UK?
Jaime Garcia: My future plans have always been to go back to Spain, where I am from, and finish my medical training there, specifically my residency and specialty training, as I will finish my degree here in Edinburgh. This has always been my plan, both due to personal issues and the fact that I believe that specialty training in Spain is amongst the top residency programmes in the world. However, the uncertainty of what will happen in the future with the NHS and its privatisation, and the validity of UK degrees in the EU in a few years, especially medical degrees, which aren't valid worldwide, might have unconsciously made me more sure about my decision. In addition, currently medical degrees are valid in all of the EU, and Universities have said they will push for anyone who started their degree before Brexit time will still be able to be easily convalidated in the EU, but of course we won't know what will happen until Brexit actually takes place.
ALEXANDROS KASSAPIS, CYPRIOT, STUDENT AT WARWICK UNIVERSITY
Can you vote in the upcoming elections?
Alexandros Kassapis: Yes, because I have Commonwealth citizenship. I am voting for Labour. Although the Green Party is closer to my political views, the election system as it is now would make it impossible for my vote to signify change in my constituency. Voting for Labour is therefore a tactical step on preventing the Conservative party forming a government again and implementing Brexit.
How politically involved are you?
Alexandros Kassapis: I actively participate in climate protests in the area around my university but I have also been to London with Extinction Rebellion. I enjoy debating on political issues and sometimes use social media to express my views, usually when I feel what I regard as an injustice has occurred.
Is your society getting involved politically?
Alexandros Kassapis: Warwick European Society strongly urges students to vote in all elections, supporting participation in the democratic system. We are also aiming at raising awareness of the environmental and refugee crises, and consulting our members on how Brexit may affect their status in the UK. Nevertheless, our society does not promote or share any particular political views.
What worries you most in British politics?
Alexandros Kassapis: The two-party political model is what worries me the most, compromising the will of segments of the population who would have otherwise voted for another party but did not, thinking that it would not matter. I think that representation should be more proportional regardless of the region, therefore enhancing pluralism, and that all students, who heavily invest in the UK, should have a say in national elections.
How do you feel as a European citizen studying in the UK in this turbulent time in British politics?
Alexandros Kassapis: It is intriguing to be in the UK at such a turbulent time; the Brexit case is unprecedented. The issue has raised serious questions regarding separation of powers and has projected the problem of low participation in democratic elections and the influence of populism, underlining a malfunctioning democracy at a time when the EU comes out as fragile. The Brexit issue could constitute a turning point for democratic governance, which has a space for improvement.
What are your future plans, and have they changed because of the political climate in the UK?
Alexandros Kassapis: My future plans are pursuing further studies in the UK, and then looking for work in the UK or other EU countries. The political climate has urged me to consider other EU countries, such as France and Germany, much more.
NATAN CHROMIK, POLISH, STUDENT AT KING’S COLLEGE LONDON
Can you vote in the upcoming elections?
Natan Chromik: Since I live in the UK permanently, I am eligible to vote in the general election and any others local and European elections. In results, I have registered to the poll however, deciding who to vote for is far more complex. Each party has convincing arguments such as Conservative recognise the importance in investing in apprenticeships programmes, science and schools with controlling the debt whereas Labour’s manifesto promises to abolish tuition fees and focus on green infrastructure. Worth mentioning, Liberal Democrats have a well written and realistic plan to transform mental health services whereas Green Party emphasises the importance of climate emergency and significant, meaningful and noticeable actions. My decision who to vote for shall reflect the important aspects for my life such as mental health services (as a psychology student this is crucial) and environmentally friendly economic development.
How politically involved are you?
Natan Chromik: Fighting for a significant action to stop climate change is an important part of my life. Personally, I do believe that society could be shaped on micro-dimension by your actions in every day. What would your presence mean on the protest against climate change if you would still contribute to this process daily by consuming meat, producing plastic and greenhouses gasses? What is more, undertaking a module called Economy and Politics of European Union at the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands as my part of summer exchange programme has helped me to raise my awareness about the structure of the EU and its role on the global level. This experience has enabled me to develop a network of connections with politicians form EU and UK Parliaments, encourage debate about sociological aspects of the policy making and reinforce the idea to speak loud, and debate or challenge your own stance.
Is your society getting involved politically?
Natan Chromik: KCL Polish Society strongly believes in democracy, freedom of speech and autonomy to make your own decisions based on your beliefs, ideology, and world-perspectives. Therefore, it wouldn’t be appropriate to lead towards one particular part of political ideology as everyone has the right to make their independent choice. As a result, all the events and posts organised by our society are aimed to be apolitical. For instance, we have encouraged Poles to vote in Polish parliamentary elections however, we were not suggesting who to vote for. As a committee, we aim to make a platform open for everyone, regardless of their political assimilation, religion and backgrounds.
What worries you most in British politics?
Natan Chromik: In recent British politics, the lack of defined shared goal and consensus how to systematically work on them makes me, and many other citizens worried about the future. Lack of willingness to compromise and motivation to show the strength alongside having power in hands is an underlying cause of unsolvable arguments in British politics. In recent manifestos generated by the diverse parties a lot of ‘millennial issues’ have been addressed such as environmental policies and mental health. However, the voting system should be discussed more precisely enabling people to vote from their mobile devices and making the voting system simpler, transparent and logical so that everyone can easily benefit from it.
How do you feel as a European citizen studying in the UK in this turbulent time in British politics?
Natan Chromik: As a European Citizen studying at KCL I try not to pay too much attention to ironic debates between leaders of politicians but on the outcomes of their discussions. So far, nothing has been changed how the EU students are being treated and that's a fact. Moreover, UK by brexiting the EU structures is not separating itself inaccessibly but rather re-defining the terms of the future cooperation. Considering the willingness of both sides to protect EU citizens’ rights in the UK but also British people in EU countries and find a shared platform of cooperation, I am optimistically looking forward to the future.
What are your future plans, and have they changed because of the political climate in the UK?
Natan Chromik: Personally, my aspiration is to travel diverse part of the world to bring psychological help to those in need. As a result, I do not plan to stay in the UK permanently, nevertheless, hearing speculations and valid and reasonable questions without delivered answers by current politician system makes some EU students worried about the potential impact Brexit will have on their life. Most common questions are related to access to the Student Finance, new travel restrictions to and from the UK, increase racism and hostility towards Europeans, and how the Brexit will look in practice.