Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/472/2012
From The Socialist newspaper, 1 February 2007
NHS
Protests must reflect people's anger
AT LONG last, the London NHS Together campaign has announced its event for the national day of action to defend the NHS on 3 March. Unfortunately, they are only planning an indoor afternoon rally at Friends Meeting House, Euston.
Lois Austin
Regular readers of the socialist will know of the disappointment many activists felt when the health trade unions said they would not call a national demonstration on this day, but regional activity instead.
This was despite the PUSH campaign calling a 3 March national demonstration in London.
Health campaigners around the country felt hugely let down by the union leaders' decision.
The Socialist Party, along with others, has campaigned to get it reversed and a national demonstration called.
In some cities regional events have now been planned. We must ensure that they are a huge show of strength and fully reflect the anger at devastating NHS cuts, closures and job losses. The decision to hold just another indoor rally in London on 3 March is disappointing and reflects how the health trade union leaders are trying to prevent a demonstration on London's streets.
The Socialist Party will propose to the London Keep our NHS Public campaign that it organises, along with others, a march to the NHS Together rally in Euston.
Such a demonstration could act as another staging post in the struggle to get a national demonstration.
It would also be an event that campaigners and trade union branches outside of London can come to.
Another crucial next step to escalate the campaign should be a national meeting, possibly in March, of all those trade unionists and health campaigners who want a national demonstration.
If a meeting such as this was truly reflective of the feeling around the country and represented fighting trade union branches and campaigns, it would have the authority to call a national demonstration shortly after the local elections in May.
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In The Socialist 1 February 2007:
Private hands off our health service
NHS: Protests must reflect people's anger
NHS union attacked in Brighton
Workplace news
Striking for jobs and services
Socialist Students
Socialist Party news and analysis
Gay adoption: Christian hierarchy attacks equal rights
Northern Ireland
War and terrorism
Iraq - build for 24 February demo
International socialist news and analysis
CWI rally: An inspiring international meeting
CWI World Congress: Building the forces of socialism worldwide
Sri Lanka: Defend socialists under attack
Bolivia: Mass protests demand right-wing Prefect's resignation
Workplace news
Power industry: Fight this victimisation
BP condemned over safety standards
Support the Unique Care workers
Southampton care workers on strike
National meeting on Single Status
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