**BEGINS**
Newcastle University Students’ Union has voted to boycott fossil fuel industries as part of a continued student campaign for the University to cut its recruitment ties with the fossil fuel industry.
The students’ union has now committed to no longer host oil, gas or mining companies in their venues or online spaces. This comes as part of the UK-wide Fossil Free Careers campaign, coordinated by student campaigning charity People & Planet, which calls on UK universities to end oil, gas and mining industry recruitment on campus. The campaign has already seen 15 student unions pass similar motions, along with 4 universities committing to end all oil, gas and mining industry recruitment.
Student campaigners at Newcastle have also received the backing of academic staff in the University and College Union (UCU) Newcastle branch which has passed a motion in support of the campaign. Now with the official backing of both the Student Union and UCU branch, campaigners are calling on Newcastle University Careers Service to end its recruitment ties with the fossil fuel industry and commit to Fossil Free Careers.
Jemima Elliott, Newcastle Fossil Free Careers said:
‘We’re so excited and glad to see 250 oil, gas and mining companies banned from events and advertising at our Students’ Union. NUSU are stepping up as climate champions. As student campaigners and climate conscious citizens, we look forward to seeing Newcastle Careers Service following the example set by the SU.’
**ENDS**