North Bristol: angry march in defence of the NHS
Socialist sellers on the national NHS demo, 4.3.17, photo Mary Finch (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)
Roger Thomas, North Bristol Socialist Party
On Saturday 27 May, hundreds gathered at Horfield Common in Bristol North West, a marginal seat held by the Tories, close to Southmead Hospital, to demonstrate in defence of the National Health Service. A short rally was followed by a march down Gloucester Road.
A real mood of anger at the Tories and a determination to kick them out was boosted by the constant honking of cars and the greetings of local shoppers – many of who joined in.
Chanting and singing, marchers snaked their way through this crowded local shopping area to rally at St Andrews Park where radical film director Ken Loach spoke of the founding principles of the NHS.
A junior doctor spelt out the devastating effect of cuts on NHS services and the real threat if the Tories are returned – with privatisation set to sweep away the last vestiges of the health service.
No one was left with any doubt about the need to kick out May and her stooges and the crucial importance of Corbyn’s message of support for public services and for the hard-pressed workers who keep the services going.
