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For Becca Chaffe and Mayumi Singh, the Labour Society at the University of Exeter is more than just a student group—it’s a space for discussion, solidarity, and action. In a university often perceived as leaning right, the society offers an inclusive environment for those seeking a political and social home.
Becca, a second-year Law student, recalls how joining the society helped her navigate the cultural shock of coming to Exeter. “I went to the Freshers’ Fair, and everyone in the society was so friendly. I was already a party member, but being part of this community made me feel grounded,” she says. Mayumi, a first-year BA Politics student, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the warmth and energy of society events, from pub crawls to policy discussions.
“I came from a politically left background, so joining Labour Soc felt natural. Everyone was so welcoming—it made the adjustment to university life much easier,” she adds.
Leadership within the society is equally rewarding for both. Becca, now one of two Social Secretaries, values the collaborative nature of her role. “It’s great sharing the workload and working with such a lovely team. It’s also an opportunity to encourage more women to get involved in politics.” Mayumi, the First-Year Representative, shares how stepping into a leadership position has broadened her perspective.
The influence of student political societies on real-world politics is a recurring theme in their discussion. “Societies like ours are gateways for students interested in politics,” Becca explains. “Last year, two or three members ran for local elections. We also work closely with figures like Steve Race, the current Labour Member of Parliament for Exeter, who always takes the time to listen. If you want to network, there are plenty of opportunities, like attending the Labour Conference.”
Mayumi sees her involvement as a steppingstone toward a future career in politics. “I didn’t take Politics at A-level, so joining the society was a way to dive deeper into the field. As a female student of colour, it’s been empowering to be part of a group that challenges stereotypes and fosters inclusivity.”
The rise of far-right rhetoric is one of the biggest challenges facing students today, according to both Mayumi and Becca. “Media polarisation makes young people, especially the vulnerable, more susceptible to harmful ideologies,” Becca notes. “Our society creates a safe space where all views can be discussed and challenged constructively.” On campus, the society has actively shaped discourse through collaborations with groups like the Feminist Society and Debating Society. Mayumi recalls a recent feminist panel discussion as a turning point in her understanding of gender politics. “Being in that room, hearing those perspectives was really empowering.”
Is Labour’s Education Policy Enough to Address the Challenges of Rising Tuition Fees, Student Debt, and Mental Health Among Students?
In recent months, Labour’s education policy has drawn intense scrutiny. The announcement of a rise in tuition fees for the first time in eight years, coupled with Keir Starmer’s earlier pledge to abolish them entirely, has raised questions about the party’s commitment to fairness and accessibility in higher education. For Becca Chaffe and Mayumi Singh of the Labour Society at Exeter, these complexities reflect the difficult balancing act the Labour Party must perform.
Becca views the tuition fee increase as a necessary, albeit difficult, step. “Money is always a worry,” she says, but she emphasizes that financial barriers are mitigated by bursaries and other forms of support. Mayumi takes a broader perspective, pointing to the economic legacy of austerity under the Conservatives. “Keir Starmer and the Labour government have so much to think of. The state of the economy means they need solutions to fund education,” she explains. While the fee increase may seem like a step backward, both argue that it could, in the long term, foster socio-economic progress.
The policy highlights a dilemma for Labour: reconciling the need for immediate funding with its promise of equitable access to education. The party’s manifesto concedes that the current higher education funding model “does not work for the taxpayer, universities, staff, or students.” Becca, echoing this sentiment, points out that universities across the country are struggling financially. “Exeter is doing a voluntary redundancy scheme—it shows how dire things are. As much as we’d all love for fees to be abolished, it’s just not realistic right now,” she admits.
What does a sustainable future for higher education look like under Labour? For Becca, the answer lies in addressing financial shortfalls without compromising educational quality. “Not many universities have enough money to maintain their operations. Raising fees might relieve some of the pressure and help them provide more resources for students,” she explains.
Mayumi highlights the need for broader systemic changes. She attributes part of the financial strain on universities to Brexit, which has caused a drop in international student numbers, forcing institutions to rely more heavily on domestic tuition fees. “The money has to come from somewhere,” she says, arguing that Labour’s focus on skills and apprenticeships could help diversify the pathways into higher education and reduce the overemphasis on traditional degrees. “We shouldn’t see university as the end-all-be-all option. Apprenticeships and upskilling are equally vital.”
Mental Health: Labour’s Commitment to Student Wellbeing
The rising cost of education is only one piece of the puzzle. Labour’s focus on mental health policies is another critical area that resonates with students. Both Becca and Mayumi see the need for immediate reforms to address the growing mental health crisis on campuses.
Becca underscores the importance of reducing NHS waiting times, particularly for GP appointments. “Students have to wait weeks just to get an initial appointment,” she says, adding that Labour’s commitment to targeting rural areas could help ensure that mental health services are accessible to all.
Mayumi calls for a modernisation of the Mental Health Act, which she describes as “very outdated.” She believes that legal reform, combined with increased funding for mental health services, could make a significant difference for students.
Becca and Mayumi also see student political societies like Labour Soc as vital in raising awareness and pushing for better support systems. The society’s involvement in campaigns like Movember, which focuses on men’s mental health, reflects their commitment to the cause. Becca highlights the importance of collaboration with larger Labour organizations, such as Young Labour, which have greater influence on national policy. “These bigger groups have the reach to push for changes in education and mental health legislation,” she says.
On campus, Labour Soc has taken practical steps to amplify student voices. “Last year, we campaigned heavily in Pennsylvania and engaged with local councillors to address community concerns,” Becca notes.
Building a Legacy: The Future of the Labour Society at Exeter
As the Labour Society at Exeter reflects on its accomplishments and looks to the future, its goals remain rooted in community, inclusivity, and fostering meaningful engagement. For Social Secretary Becca Chaffe and First-Year Representative Mayumi Singh, the focus is on growing the society while maintaining its welcoming and supportive ethos.
“We just want to get bigger,” Becca shares enthusiastically. “Most weeks, we’ve got events—socials, speaker events—you name it. It’s about creating spaces where people can bring their friends and flatmates, meet new people, and start building a real sense of community.”
This community-first approach is at the heart of the Labour Society’s identity. For Mayumi, the society’s appeal lies in its flexibility. “You don’t have to be overly political to join. ” she says with a smile, “But if you do want to talk about politics, you’ll always find someone willing to have that conversation.”
The society’s accessibility is another hallmark. Getting involved is as simple as showing up. “Come to an event,” Becca encourages. “We’ve got a group chat to keep everyone updated, and speaker events offer great networking opportunities if that’s something you’re interested in.” From casual pub socials to more structured political discussions, there’s something for everyone.
When asked about the legacy they hope to leave behind, Becca and Mayumi both speak passionately about inclusivity and creating a safe environment. Both quotes that they want to be remembered as a society that welcomed everyone. Rooted in values of accessibility and inclusivity, the Labour Society aspires to leave a legacy as a welcoming hub for all students, offering not only a platform for political dialogue but also a sense of belonging and camaraderie that endures beyond university life.
To find out more about the University of Exeter Labour Party Society, please follow this link to see their page on the Exeter Student Guild Website: https://my.exeterguild.com/groups/XVD9F/labour-society
Or check out their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exeterunilabour/
* The Witness Journal’s Senior Editors, Veronika Parfjonova and Emily Hone, conducted interviews with all of the societies that were willing to participate as part of a feature series to showcase political party societies at the University of Exeter*
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