In a landmark decision, students at the University of Cambridge have voted to disaffiliate from the National Union of Students (NUS), citing its alleged failure to support pro-Palestinian protests and campaigns. The motion, passed by the Cambridge Student Union (SU) on Thursday night, garnered 1,772 votes in favor, with 1,284 against and 719 abstentions. The decision follows widespread criticism of the NUS for its perceived inaction on student-led pro-Palestinian movements and its lack of support for students facing disciplinary actions for protests. The SU trustee board initiated the motion, accusing the NUS of ignoring nationwide student calls to campaign for Palestine and prioritizing selective causes aligned with its internal agenda. Additionally, the NUS was criticized for offering ‘poor value for money,’ with annual fees estimated at £20,000 ($26,000). This move comes after 55 university student groups and union officers signed an open letter urging the NUS to take a stand on Gaza or face mass disaffiliation. In response, the NUS demanded that signatories remove their names or face bans from its events. Olivia Ledger, vice president of the Cambridge SU, highlighted the lack of NUS support during seven student encampments and five High Court injunctions. She also criticized the NUS for failing to address Islamophobia and its minimal national campaigning impact. Meanwhile, Cambridge students passed a motion for the SU to campaign against university investments in institutions involved in occupation and weapons manufacturing. This follows the university’s recent decision to divest from companies producing ‘controversial weapons’ and its upcoming vote on divesting from all arms manufacturers. The university council has already adopted a policy to divest from companies manufacturing weapons illegal under UK law, including chemical and biological weapons and cluster munitions. A final decision on divestment from all arms manufacturers is expected on November 20.