It is characterised by its vocal support for the NUS Liberation Campaigns, Palestinian rights and for free-to-student, state-funded education, and its determined opposition to racism, Islamophobia, fascism, and war.

The group describes itself as a "network of left activists campaigning for a progressive student movement", and has Labour, Green, and independent members.

Though these allegations are levelled at SBL members with some regularity, the list of organisations could cover many left wing groups and individuals, and is not indicative of any particular faction.

In 2016, following the successful election of controversial SBL-backed candidate Malia Bouattia, SBL restructured under the brand of 'Liberation Left'.

Prominent figures continued vocal support for the NUS Liberation Campaigns, Palestinian rights and opposition to Islamophobia.

[5][6] Bouattia's comments, described as "outright racism" by the Committee, triggered fifteen disaffiliation campaigns at member unions.

However, moderate factions were in decline; the OIs[citation needed] had been focused on Brexit and NUS reform, and Labour Students had faced ten disaffiliations after a democracy scandal.