In January, Katy took part in a debate at the Glasgow University Union on the Alternative Vote Referendum.  Katy and Glasgow University Lib Dem Society President, and candidate for Maryhill Springburn Sophie Bridger, argued in favour of the change to a fairer voting system, while representatives from the Conservatives opposed.  We were happy to see that Katy and the argument in favour of reform won the vote convincingly at the end of the debate!

Katy commented afterwards:

“A fairer voting system is a no brainer for me.  First Past the Post may have worked in the last century when there were only 2 main parties but it’s time has gone.  People are fed up with not being heard.  The AV referendum gives them a voice.  For the first time in a General Election, every vote would count, MPs would have to work harder to gain people’s support and safe seats would become a thing of the past across much of the country.  I believe the British people’s sense of fairness will ensure that this referendum is won and a fairer voting system introduced.”

If you want to see some of Katy’s contributions to the debate, then click here.  To find out more about how you can help in the campaign for fairer votes, then visit www.yestofairervotes.org!

Both Katy and Margaret backed the students’ campaign to tackle student debt in Scotland, and to scrap the fees in England and Wales. Katy said:

“We had a great discussion with the students about why the Lib Dems think university education should be free, and about the increasing problems of student debt. We also talked about how we would fund this free education, through things like better, fairer taxes, and looking at the numbers of people who choose different types of further or higher education.
At a time when everyone is concerned about their finances and job prospects, expecting students to start their working life with thousands of pounds in debts is unacceptable.”

Katy agreed to become Honorary President of the Lib Dem Uni Students Society at their AGM today. Katy has been a regular visitor to the society’s meetings and Mark Scott, immediate Past President and Sophie Hall, newly elected President, have both been engaged in supporting Katy’s campaigning activities.

Accepting the position, Katy said:

“I was delighted to be asked. I really value the support I have received from the student society and we have been discussing a number of ways we can continue to work together. Mark has worked hard in the past year to raise the society’s profile and I am sure Sophie will be an impressive lead this year.

The Liberal Democrats have a strong record of support for students, in ensuring there were no top up fees in Scotland when in government and ensuring the Graduate Endowment was abolished in this parliament. I am determined to repay students’ faith in our party by continuing to listen to their concerns as part of my campaign to be positive about young people in Glasgow North.”