NUS

"He's shown that he is capable, with the Covid taskforce giving him credence. He was the guiding hand on that rudder… and he projects that stability for future global financial uncertainties," said Rebecca Tan, a political science lecturer with NUS.

NUS Cymru said financial pressures, including rising rents and utility bills, had made things "really difficult" for students.

NUS Cymru president Deio Owen said students were having to "make tough decision between heating and eating".

Commenting for the first time since the fine was issued to Sussex, the NUS said it was concerned about the size of the fine at a time when university finances are under pressure.

"We would say at the NUS, that the line between freedom of harm and freedom of speech right now is not falling in the right place, or at the very least, there is very little clarity from the regulator as to where that line should be falling," she said.